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MEMOIRS     yjg^^i^^.JU^m 
or 
TKE  LIFE  AJSTB  WRITIJS^GS 

OF 

JOHN  CALVIN : 

TOGETHER  WITH 

A  SELECTIOJ\^  OF  LETTERS, 

WRITTEN  BY  HIM,  AXD  OTHER  DISTINGUISHED  REFORMERS  : 

ALSO, 

NOTES,  AND  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  OF  SOME  OF 
HIS  COTEMPORARIES 


COMPILED  Bl 

THE  REV.  ELIJAH  WATERMAN, 

PA.STOR  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  IN  BRIDGEPORT. 


CaivinuTti  assiduc  cotnitata  modestia  vivum^ 
Hoc  corde  manlbus  finxerat  ipsa  suis 

Ipsa  a  quo  potuit  virtutem  discere  virtus  . 
Roma,  taus  terror  maximus  Die  fuit. 


lUnTFOBD 

JRIVTRP   BY   HALE   &   HOSMEK. 

1813. 


L. 


DISTRICT  OF  COJVJ\'EC'TICUT .  SS, 

<   SHJiLi.   >  ^^  REMEMBERED,  That  Oil  the  first  day  of  Jul}', 

J  *   C       ^"  the  tliirty-seventh  year  of  the  Independence  of  the 

(  *#*##*  3        United  States  of  America,  ELIJAH  WATERMAN,  of 

said  district,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a 

book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  author,  in  tlie  words  following — 

to  wit  : 

"  Memoirs  of  the  I^ife  and  Writings  of  John  Calvin  :  together  with  a  se- 
lection of  Letters,  written  by  him  and  other  distinguished  Reformers  :  Al- 
so, Notes  and  Biographical  Sketches  of  some  of  his  Cotemporaries.  Com- 
piled by  the  Rev.  Elijah  Waterman,  Pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  Bridgeport." 

In  conformity  to  an  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled 
"  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of 
Maps,  Charts  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies, 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned"  And  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  Unit- 
ed States,  entitled  "  An  Act,  supplementary  to  the  act,  entitled  An  Act  for 
the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts  and 
Books,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned  ;  and  extending  the  benefits 
thereof  to  the  arts  of  Designing,  Engraving  and  Etching  Historical  and  oth- 
er Prints." 

H.  W.  EDWARDS, 
Clerk  of  the  Distnct  of  Connecticut. 
A  true  copy  of  record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 

H.  W.  EDWARDS, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  C-onnecticut. 


ERRATA. 

Page      1.  Note,  read  Tractatus  Theologicl  Calvini. 

16.  Bottom  line,  for  26th  read  20th. 

1 9.  Note,  for  the  second  Epistolis  read  Epistola. 

20.  Line  9  from  bottom,  read  1534. 
20.  Note,  for  Bern  read  Buren. 

25.  Note,  for  April  7th  read  April  17th. 

28.  Line  5,  read  1540. 

51.  Line  10,  for  awaken  read  weaken. 

106.  Line  7,  for  reason  read  i-easons. 

131.  Note,  line  6,  for  September  read  August. 

181.  Line  3  from  bottom,  for  Ecclesiastibus  read  Ecclesiasticis. 

188.  Line  15,  read,  to  continue  stedfast  in  tlieir  sufferings. 

93.  Under  Extract  No.  2,  the  mark  ot  quotation  should  have  been 
put  before  the  word  NoUiiiig,  at  line  4. 


ADVERTISExMENT 


A  HE  following  Memoirs  have  respect  to  a  pe- 
riod highly  interesting  in  the  annals  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  are  designed  to  exhibit  the  character  oi 
one  of  the  most  successful  Reformers.  The  delinea- 
tion of  the  features  of  a  mind  of  ascendant  powers, 
pressed  with  difficulties  and  invincible  in  advancing 
the  best  good  of  man,  becomes  interesting  and  in- 
structive, in  proportion  as  the  details  are  complete, 
impartial  and  authentick.  In  the  pursuit  of  this  ob- 
ject, the  compiler  has  omitted  no  means,  and  spared 
no  labour,  which  his  limited  time  and  talents  >vould 
enable  him  to  apply. 

The  Letters  and  Prefatory  Epistles  of  Calvin  furnish 
a  great  proportion  of  those  facts  which  Theodore  Be- 
za  has  collected  in  his  life  of  this  Reformer.  In  these 
Memoirs  the  writer  has  preserved  his  own  method, 
and  stated  the  facts  without  any  special  regard  to  the 
style  of  the  authors  from  whom  they  are  compiled. 
In  those  instances  where  reference  is  not  made  to  the 
authorities,  the  materials  of  the  narrative  are  chiefly 
from  the  writings  of  Calvin,  or  from  his  life  by  Beza. 
While  he  feels  himself  responsible  to  the  publick  for 
the  correctness  of  the  history,  and  the  faithfulness  of 
the  translation  of  the  Letters,  he  is  far  from  presu mines' 


ii  ADVERTISEMENT. 

that  he  has  not  fallen  into  errours,  either  from  his  own 
inattention  or  the  incorrectness  of  his  guides. 

The  original  plan  has  been  extended,  and  the  labour 
bestowed  upon  the  compilation  is  much  greater  than 
was  at  first  proposed.  A  necessity,  arising  from  cir- 
cumstances which  it  would  be  useless  to  detail,  has 
precluded  the  opportunity  of  that  more  severe  revision 
of  the  work,  which  the  compiler  would  most  cheerful- 
ly have  attempted,  in  order  to  have  rendered  it  more 
worthy  of  the  extensive  patronage  it  has  received. 

In  making  a  selection  from  the  numerous  Letters  of 
Calvin  and  others,  he  has  been  desirous  of  producing 
those  which  he  believed  would  best  illustrate  the  events 
of  the  life  and  the  moral  qualities  of  the  mind  of  Cal- 
vin. Written  from  the  impulse  of  the  moment,  and 
in  the  confidence  of  friendship,  they  are  the  index  of 
his  heart,  and  a  rigorous  testimony,  that  his  talents 
were  profound,  his  labours  immense,  and  his  influence, 
in  the  Reformation,  commensurate  with  both. 

The  compiler  cheerfully  acknowledges  his  obliga- 
tion to  several  gentlemen  for  their  obliging  generosi- 
ty in  supplying  him  with  rare  and  valuable  books,  by 
which  he  has  been  enabled  to  bring  before  the  patrons 
of  the  work,  new  and  correct  information,  concerning 
Calvin,  the  Reformers  and  the  Reformation  itself. 

BRiDGEroRT,  March  1,  1813. 


MEMOIRS 

OF    THE 

LIFE  dA^JD  WRITIXGS 

OF 

JOHN  CALVIN. 


John  CALVIN  was  bom  at  Noyon  in  Picardy,  a  pro= 
vince  of  France,  July  lOtli,  A.  D.  1509.  His  parents,  Gerard 
Chauvin  and  Joanna  le  Franc,  were  in  respectable  circum- 
stances and  of  virtuous  and  unblemished  reputation.*  They 
possessed  the  esteem  of  many  of  the  nobility  in  their  neigh- 
bourhood, and  were  favoured  with  the  privilege  of  liberally 
educating  their  son  in  the  family  of  Mommor,  one  of  the  most 
distinguished  in  that  province.  In  this  noble  family,  Calvin 
received  the  discipline  of  childhood  and  the  rudiments  of  lite- 
rature.f  With  the  children  of  this  nobleman,  his  father  sent 
him  to  Paris,  for  the  more  favourable  prosecution  of  his  stu- 
dies. Under  the  instruction  of  the  learned  Mathurin  Cordier,  J 
Principal  of  the  College  of  la  ]\Iarche,  he  laid  the  foundation 
of  that  correct  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language,  which  ena- 
bled him  eminently  to  surpass  his  cotemporaries  in  ^vriting  it 
with  elegance  and  ease. 

*  Beza  de  Coena  Domini,  &c.    Oper.  Tom.  1.  page  257. 

f  See  the  dedication  to  Claude  Hangest,  in  commentariis  Senecx  de  de- 
mentia ;  Tractatis  Theologicis  Calvini,  ad  finem.  Amsterdam  edition,  1667. 

*  See  Notes  and  Biograpbicftl  sketches  in  this  volume :  No.  1. 

1 


2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1529 

From  la  Marche,  Calvin  vas  removed  to  the  College  of 
I\Iontaigu.  In  this  seminary,  under  the  instruction  of  a  learn- 
ed Spaniard,  he  made  unusual  proficiency,  and  was  distin- 
guished by  being  advanced  from  the  common  exercises  of  his 
fellow-students,  to  those  of  philosophy  and  the  mathematicks. 
In  his  boyhood  he  discovered  a  devout  disposition,  in  severely 
censuring  tlie  viqes  of  his  companions.  His  father  viewed 
with  pleasure  the  grave  deportment  of  his  son,  and  procured 
for  him,  at  the  age  of  12  years,  from  the  Bishop  of  Noyon,  a 
benefice  in  the  Cathedral  Church  of  la  Gesine.  At  this  time 
he  must  have  received  the  tonsure,*  the  first  step  towards 
priestly  orders  in  the  Church  of  Rome,  of  Avhich  he  was  a 
member,  and  to  which  his  father  was  now  looking  for  his  ad- 
vancement in  wealth  and  honour.  Calvin  however  was  ulti- 
mately introduced  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  a  way  vastly 
different  from  what  his  father  had  devised,  and  for  purposes 
totally  foreign  from  those  which  his  patrons  in  the  Church 
had  intended. 

For  several  years  Calvin  pursued  the  study  of  polite  litera- 
ture at  Ppris.  In  1527,  he  was  presented  to  an  additional  be- 
nefice, the  Rectory  of  i\lartville,  which,  in  1529,  he  ex- 
changed for  the  parocliial  Curacy  of  Pont  rEveque,f  the 
native  place  of  his  father.  In  this  town  Calvin  sometimes 
preaclied,  although  he  belonged  to  the  clergy  only  by  the 
tonsure.  Gerard,  flattered  with  the  distinguished  attain- 
ments of  his  son,  and  observing  how  greatly  the  science  of  the 
law  enriched  its  professors,  suddenly  changed  his  purpose, 
and  recalled  him  from  the  study  of  philosophy,  to  that  of 
jurisprudence.  On  this  course  of  studies,  Calvin  entered  re- 
luctantly,  and  only  in  obedience  to  the  will  of  his  father.  He 
says  himself, J  that  his  mmd  was  too  strongly  addicted  to  the 

*  See  Notes  and  Biog.  No.  2. 

I  Drelincouit,  as  quoted  by  Bayle,  Gen.  Die.  Art.  C»!. 

^  f?ee  Lf  trers  In  this  Wort,  ?«'«>.  L 


1520  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3 

superstitions  of  the  Papacy,  to  be  easily  drawn  from  that  niire ; 
and  his  habits  too  firmly  seasoned,  to  yield  with  docility  to  a 
change  of  studies  so  unexpected.  About  this  time,  he  be- 
came acquainted  with  his  kinsman  Peter  Robert  Olivet  an.* 
This  acquaintance  was  followed  by  consequences  of  great  mo- 
ment to  Calvin  and  the  cause  of  the  Reformation,  which  wag 
now  ahnost  imperceptibly  extending  its  influence  in  France. 
From  that  learned  and  pious  man  he  imbibed  his  first  taste 
for  the  true  doctrines  of  religion.  The  dawning  of  the  pure 
light  upon  his  devout  mind  awakened  him  to  mir emitting 
diligence  in  searching  the  scriptures.  His  other  studies,  for 
ivhich  he  had  no  affection,  he  pursued  in  a  cold  and  indiffer- 
ent manner.  He  seized  every  unoccupied  hour  for  the  pri- 
vate perusal  of  the  Bible,  till,  his  mind  sickening  at  the  su- 
perstitious errours  of  Popery,  he  began  to  withdraw  himself 
from  that  communion. 

On  changing  his  purpose,  as  to  the  profession  of  his  son, 
Gerard  placed  him  at  the  University  of  Orleans.  And  al- 
though Calvin  was  indiiferent  to  the  study  of  jurisprudence, 
he  still  made  such  progress,  under  the  tuition  of  tlie  learned 
Peter  Stella,f  that  he  was  invited  by  the  professors  to  supply 
the  chair,  in  their  occasional  absence.  On  leavuig  that  L  ni- 
versity,  he  received,  as  a  testimony  of  respect,  a  unanimous  ami 
gratuitous  offer,  from  the  whole  faculty,  of  a  doctor's  degree. 

Before  a  year  had  passed  at  Orleans,  he  attracted  the  at- 
tention of  all  those,  who  were  desirous  of  the  knowledge  of 
the  true  doctrines.  Modesty  and  diffidence  were  predomi- 
nant qualities  of  his  mind.  He  was  fond  of  retirement,  and 
at  this  time  peculiarly  solicitous  to  be  unkno\vn.  This  how- 
ever was  so  far  from  being  granted  him,  that  all  his  rf;treat.=i 
for  study  were  frequented  by  such  numljers  as  to  have  the 

•  See  Notea  and  Biog'.  No.  3. 

f  This  distinguished  lawyi*r  was  afterwards  President  of  ihe  ParliamcnT 
of  Paris.    Bavte. 


4  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3530 

appearance  of  a  public  school.  His  application  to  study  was 
severe,  and  his  acquirements  were  rich  and  astonishing.  He 
seldom  retiied  for  sleep  till  the  night  was  far  advanced.  He 
allowed  himself  only  a  few  hours  for  repose,  and  resumed,  in 
his  morning  meditations,  the  subject  which  had  engaged  his 
attention  the  preceding  evening.  He  thus  digested  and  stored 
up  in  his  memory,  whatever  he  apprehended  would  be  valua- 
ble for  future  application.  This  practice,  continued  momiug 
by  morning,  contributed  extensively  to  facilitate  liis  acquisi- 
tion of  knowledge,  to  strengthen  his  unusual  powers  of  memo- 
ry, and  to  enlarge  the  vigorous  grasp  of  liis  youtliful  mind. 

Andrew  Alciat,  an  Italian  lawyer,  had  by  his  talents  given 
a  higli  reputation  to  the  University  of  Bourges.  Calvin  was 
removed  by  his  father  from  Orleans,  to  attend  the  lectures  of 
this  distinguished  Professor.  The  munificence  of  Francis  I. 
in  patronizing  literary  men,  had  drawn  many  foreigners  into 
France,  and  among  others  the  learned  Melchior  AVolmar,# 
who  was,  at  this  time,  Professor  of  the  Greek  language,  in 
that  University.  Under  his  instruction  Calvin  applied  him- 
eelf  to  the  study  of  the  Greek.  Both  literature  and  religion 
coiubined  to  form  between  these  two  men  a  strong  and  dura- 
ble friendship.  During  his  residence  at  Bourges,  Calvin  unit- 
ed Avith  his  professional  studies  his  researches  on  theological 
fubjects,  and  occasionally  preached  at  Ligniers,  a  small  town 
in  the  province  of  Berri,  with  the  permission  and  sometimes 
in  the  presence  of  the  Seigneur.  The  sudden  death  of  his 
father  recalled  him  fi'om  Bourges  to  the  domestick  concerns 
of  the  family  at  Noyon.f 

From  his  native  place,  Calvin  visited  Paris,  and  prepared 
his  very  learned  and  elaborate  commentary  on  Seneca's  Epis- 
tle de  dementia.     Anticipating  the  progress  of  the  nerv  opi" 

*  See  Xotes  and  Blog.  No.  4.  f  Beza,  Opera  Tom.  1,  pag.  257—- 
speaking  of  the  mother  of  Calvin,  says — "  Honestissimam  matronara  jam 
olim  defunctam— TAa«  most  virtuous  voman  long  since  deceaftd.'* 


1532  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  5 

nions^  and  the  violent  persecutions  which  would  he  raised  to 
suppress  every  incipient  attempt  to  refonn  the  abuses  of  the 
Church,  he  selected,  with  the  provident  spirit  of  a  great  ge- 
nius, tliis  appropriate  subject,  and  laboured,  with  much  ad- 
dress, to  impress  on  the  mind  of  Francis,  the  mild  and  mode- 
rating principles  of  clemency.*  He  illustrated  and  enforced 
the  thoughts  of  that  moralist,  by  an  extensive  selection  of  au- 
thorities and  examples  from  the  most  distinguished  Poets  and 
Historians  of  Greece  and  Rome.  It  is  a  specimen  of  learn- 
ing and  eloquence  unrivalled  as  the  production  of  a  young 
man  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years. 

The  dedication  of  this  work  to  Claude  Hangest,  Abbot  of 
St.  Eloi  at  Noyon,  one  of  the  family  of  Mommor,  bears  date 
at  Paris,  April  4th,  1532.  As  it  was  WTitten  in  Latin,  the 
author  of  course  latinized  his  oAvn  name,  Cauvin,  by  Calvinus. 
Cauvin  m  the  dialect  of  Picardy,  his  native  province,  and 
C'hauvin  in  French,  have  the  same  import  as  Calvinus  in  La- 
tin. This  work  was  extensively  circulated,  and  the  author 
became  known  by  the  common  appellation  of  Calvin,  Avhich  he 
afterwards  retained  as  the  surname  of  his  family .f 

During  a  few  months  residence  at  Paris,  Calvin  became 
acquainted  with  the  principal  advocates  of  the  pure 
doctrines.  Among  these  he  especially  distinguished  Steplien 
de  la  Forge,J  a  celebrated  merchant,  who  was  afterwards 
burnt  for  the  name  of  Christ.  Being  left  free  at  this  time  to 
make  his  own  election  of  pursuits  in  life,  Calvin  laid  aside 


*  Varillas  Hist,  of  Francis  I.  as  quoted  by  Bayle. 

f  Calvin  has  been  captiously  censured  by  his  enemies,  for  the  chan^^e 

of  a  letter  in  his  name. But  the  censure  equally  f:ills  upon  Erasmus, 

Luther,  Melancthon — and  almost  every  author  of  any  distinction  in  that 

peri»d. Dupin  Eccles.   Hist.  Cent.  16.  book  3,  p.  255  ;    and  Mair.i- 

bourg  and  Drelin  court,  in  Bayle. — Art  CaL 

T  He  is  mentioned  by  Calvin  with  the  distinction  of  a  marty;-  iij  his 
Tract  against  the  Zibcriinea,-  Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  276. 


6  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  153;2 

his  legal  studies,  and  devoted  himself  to  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion. This  gave  higli  satisfaction  to  the  friends  of  the  Re- 
formation, who  then  held  their  private  assem])lies  at  Paris. 
In  these  he  was  active  in  illustrating  and  confirming  the  ge- 
nuine doctrines  of  the  Bible. 

On  the  first  of  November,  Nicholas  Cop,  Rector  of  the 
University  of  Paris,  delivered  a  discourse,  at  the  meeting  for 
the  annual  celebration  of  the  festival  of  All  Saints.*  At  the 
suggestion  of  Calvin,  the  Rector  treated  concerning  the  su- 
perstitions of  that  day,  with  a  plainness  which  offended  the 
Doctors  of  the  Sorbonne  and  the  Parliament  of  Paris.  The 
Rector  was  summoned  to  appear  before  the  Senate.  He  sur- 
rendered liimself  to  the  olhcer ;  but  on  his  way  he  was  ad- 
monished- by  his  friends  not  to  trust  himself  as  ith  his  adver- 
saries. He  returned  home,  and  subsequently  retired  to  Ba- 
sil, his  native  City.f 

Calvin  being  implicated  in  tliis  business,  was  next  pursued 
by  Morin,  who  hasted  to  his  lodgings  in  the  College  of  For- 
tret,  to  seize  his  person.  At  this  time  Calvin  was  providen- 
tially absent ;  but  Jilorin  secured  his  papers,  among  which 
were  several  letters  from  his  friends,  whose  lives  by  this  event 
were  exposed  to  imminent  danger. 

The  minds  of  the  inquisitorial  judges  were  so  highly  ex- 
asperated against  the  Pteforraers,  that  their  severity  was  on- 
ly arrested  by  the  interference  of  Margaret  de  Valois,  Queen 
of  Navarre.  J  This  Princess  was  the  only  sister  of  Francis  I. 
Possessed  of  strong  powers  of  mind,  and  an  amiable  temper, 
she  M  as  eminently  qualified,  both  by  the  dignity  of  her  sta- 

*  The  origin  of  All  Saints  day. When  the  Saints  in  the  Church  of 

Rome  had  multiplied  beyond  the  number  of  the  days  of  the  year the 

first  of  November  was  consecrated  with  due  ceremonies  to  honour— Pfl- 
na^a.  All  the  Saints. Rees'  Cyclopaedia — Art.  All  Saints. 

t  See  Letters,  No.  2. 

-  See  Notes  and  Bi»g'.  No.  5. 


1533  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  7 

lion  and  the  purity  of  her  principles,  to  afford  a  powerful 
protection  to  the  persecuted  Reformers.  At  the  very  side  of 
the  throne,  her  enlightened  soul  penetrated  the  dark  cover- 
ings which  the  arts  of  superstition  had  thrown  before  the 
eyes  of  royalty.  She  early  cherished,  with  an  affectionate 
heart,  the  dawning  light  of  the  true  doctrines  and  pure  wor- 
ship of  God.  In  this  persecution  she  extended  her  favour 
to  Calvin  ;  sent  for  him  to  her  palace ;  received  him  with 
kindness  ;  heard  him  discourse  ;  and  used  her  influence  with 
the  king  for  his  personal  safety. 

From  Paris,  Calvin  retired  to  Saintonge,  to  visit  his  friend 
Lewis  du  Tillet,  Canon  of  Angouleme.  Their  acquaintance 
commenced  at  the  University  of  Orleans.  Calvin,  during  hie 
residence  in  this  respectable  family,  instructed  Tillet  m  the 
Greek  language,  and  in  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  gospel. 
He  drew  up,  at  his  request,  some  short  Christian  exhorta- 
tions, which  were  publickly  read  in  the  Church  and  distri- 
buted among  the  people,  in  order  to  bring  their  minds,  by 
degrees,  to  an  enquiry  after  tlie  truth. 

From  Saintonge,  Calvin  went  to  Nerac,  in  the  province  of 
Aquitain,  to  visit  James  Faber,  Stapulensis,  Professor  in  the 
University  of  Paris.*  The  Queen  of  Navarre  had  rescued, 
after  a  severe  contest,  this  early  Reformer  out  of  the  hands 
of  the  Inquisitors  of  the  Sorbonne,  who  threatened  his  life 
for  having  agitated  theological  questions  in  that  seminary. 
She  provided  for  his  security  and  support  in  Nerac,  a  tonsil 
within  her  own  jurisdiction.  This  venerable  old  man  re- 
ceived young  Calvin  with  joy,  and  predicted  that  he  would 
be  the  instrument,  in  the  hands  of  God,  of  establishing  the 
true  religion  in  France. 

Calvin  returned  to  Paris,  and  with  much  caution  secreted 
litmself  from  the  rage  of  his  enemies,  who  still  remembered 

*  See  Notes  and  Biog^.  No.  6. 


8  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1533 

the  abuse  wliicli  by  his  means  had  been  oU'ered  to  their 
Saints*.  At  this  time,  Michel  Seivetus  had  commenced  the 
dissemination  of  his  opinions  concerning  the  doctrine  of  the 
Iioly  Trinity.  He  requested  an  interview  m  ith  Calvin,  for  a 
Jiublick  disputation.  The  latter,  at  the  manifest  hazard  of 
his  life,  repaired  to  the  appointed  place,  and  waited  a  long 
time  in  vain  for  the  arrival  of  his  antagonist. 

Francis,  under  the  influence  of  his  sister,  appeared  disposed 
to  treat  the  Reformers  m  itli  moderation.     He  had  from  politi- 
cal motives,  at  least,  favoured  the  Lutherans  m  Germany, 
and  even  invited  Melancthon  to  reside  at  Paris.     This  mo- 
deration excited  the  resentment  of  the  Pope,  and  the  preju- 
dices of  many  of  his  own  subjects,  who  were  anxious  to  root 
up  every  germ  of  the  Reformation,  by  the  severest  means. 
Alarmed  by  the  threats  of  the  Pope,  and  the  vu'ulence  of  his 
adherents,  Francis  was  prepared  to  take  any  occasion  to  re- 
trieve the  confidence  of  the  Papists,  and  strengthen  himself 
against  his  rival  Charles  V.     "  The  indiscreet  zeal  of  some, 
who  had  imbibed  the  reformed  opinions,  furnished  him  with 
such  an  occasion  as  he  desired.     They  had  affixed  at  the 
gates  of  the  palace,  and  other  publick  places,  papers  con- 
taining indecent  reflections  on  the  doctrines  and  rites  of  the 
Popish  Church."     Gerard  Roussel,  a  doctor  of  the  Sorbonne, 
and  Coraud,  a  Monk  of  the  order  of  Augustine,  who  had, 
through  the  influence  of  the  Queen  of  Navarre,  for   two 
years  publickly  preached  the  true  doctrines  in  Paris,  were 
now  seized  in  their  pulpits  and  tlurown  into  prison.*     The 
King,  infatuated  with  rage  at  this  insult,  decreed  a  publick 
procession.     *<  The  holy  sacrament  Avas  carried  through  the 
city  in  great  pomp.      Francis  walked  uncovered  before  it, 
bearing  a  lighted  torch  in  his  hand ;  the  princes  of  the  blood 
supported  the  canopy  over  it ;  the  nobles  marched  in  order 

•  See  Notes  and  Biog.  No.  7. 


1534  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  9 

behind.  In  the  presence  of  this  numerous  assembly,  the 
King,  in  strong  and  animated  language,  declared  that  if  one 
of  his  hands  were  infected  ^ith  heresy,  he  would  cut  it  off 
with  the  other,  and  would  not  spare  even  his  own  children 
if  found  guilty  of  that  crime."#  To  finish  the  proof  of  his 
zeal  for  the  Romish  Church,  he  ordered  eight  of  the  Re- 
formers to  be  burnt  alive,  in  four  of  the  most  frequented 
parts  of  the  city.  The  sentence  was  executed,  with  all  tlie 
torture  of  the  most  ferocious  barbarity. 

After  these  transactions,  Calvin,  steady  to  his  purpose,  took 
a  more  decided  stand  in  the  cause  of  the  Reformation.  He 
publickly  renounced  all  fellowship  a\  ith  the  Romish  Church, 
by  resigning,  on  the  4th  of  iMay,  1534,  the  benefices  of  the 
Chapel  of  la  Gesine  and  the  Rectory  of  Pont  I'Eveque.f 
By  a  covert  conduct,  he  might  have  still  enjoyed  the  annual 
emolument  of  these  livings  under  the  Papacy.  In  throw- 
ing himself,  therefore,  poor  and  unpatronized,  upon  the  hand 
of  his  Divine  iMaster,  he  demonstrated  the  firmness  of  his 
principles,  and  the  purity  of  his  motives.  Retiring  to  Or- 
leans, the  place  of  his  more  youthful  studies  and  devotions, 
he  prepared  and  published  a  scriptural  and  elaborate  con- 
futation of  an  errour  revived  from  ancient  times,  That  the 
soul  sleeps  from  deaths  to  the  resurrection  of  the  body.  This 
treatisej  is  a  proof,  that  the  author,  at  the  age  of  2o,  v,as 
intimately  acquainted  with  the  divine  scriptures  and  the 
works  of  the  Fathers ;  that  his  studies  must  have  been  labo- 
rious, his  memory  strong,  and  his  intellect  clear  and  com- 
prehensive. 


*  Robertson's  Charles  V-  B.  6,  p.  Ill,  and  112.— Mosheim,  Vol.  3.  p. 
351. — Dupin. — 16  Cent. 

\  Drelincovirt — quoted  by  Bayle. 

%  It  was  entitled  Psychopannychia — The  dedication  to  a   certain  friend 
3S  dated  Orleans,  1.534,— —Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  3>5. 

2 


10  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1534 

The  Reformation  commenced  at  Basil  in  1525,  and  its 
progress  opened  a  safe  retreat  for  Cop,  the  Rector  of  the 
University  of  Paris.  To  this  city  Calvin  now  looked  for  per- 
sonal safety,  and  a  retirement  for  study,  which  his  own 
country  denied  him.  In  company  with  his  friend  Lewis  du 
Tillet,  he  proceeded  on  his  way  from  Orleans  to.  Basil 
through  Lorraine.  Near  Metz,  one  of  the  servants  taking 
their  money  escaped  with  a  horse,  and  left  them  embarrass- 
ed without  the  means  of  proceeding.  By  tlie  assistance  of 
the  other  servant,  hoAvever,  who  had  ten  croAvns,  they  arriv- 
ed at  Strasburg,  and  without  farther  difficulty  reached  Ba- 
sil. In  this  town  resided  those  early  Reformers,  Simon  Gry- 
neus  and  Wolfgang  Capito.  With  these  ministers  Calvin 
formed  an  intimate  and  permanent  friendship.  In  close  re- 
tirement, and  almost  unknown,  he  applied  himself  to  the  stu- 
dy of  the  Hebrew,  the  knowledge  of  which  language  had 
become  important  to  enable  him  more  effectually  to  advance 
the  cause  of  religion. 

The  object  of  Francis,  in  burning  those  Reformers  at  Pa- 
ris, was  to  conciliate  Paul  III.,  and  detach  him  from  the  in- 
terest of  Charles  V.,  against  whom  he  was  at  this  time  de- 
termined to  declare  war.  No  less  intrigue  was  used  in  the 
labours  of  du  Bellay,  who  was  sent  ambassadour  into  Germa- 
ny, to  appease  the  indignation  of  the  Protestants,  which  the 
cruelty  of  Francis  had  excited  against  him.  The  courtly 
art  and  eloquence  of  this  minister  were  exerted  to  persuade 
them,  that  the  king  had  only  burnt  some  Anabaptists,  Avh© 
had  substituted  their  own  inspirations  for  the  Avord  of  God, 
and  who  abusively  trampled  on  the  laws,  and  excited  insur- 
rection against  the  magistracy.  This  pretext  it  Avas  expect- 
ed would  be  a  sufficient  defence,  as  that  sect  had  rendered 
themselves  extremely  odious  by  their  excesses  to  the  solier 
and  pious  in  Germany.  This  representation  Avas  therefore 
made  by  FrMicis,  to  divert  the  resentment  of  the  Protestants 


1535  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  11 

from  himself,  and  to  cherish  their  jealous^'  against  his  im- 
perial rival.  Calvin  well  understood  the  hypocritical  pro- 
ceedmgs  of  the  King,  and  the  flagrant  insult  which  was  thus 
offered  to  the  memory  of  the  Reformers  who  were  burnt  at 
Paris.  Constrained  by  an  imperious  sense  of  duty,  to  make 
known  to  the  Protestant  princes,  that  the  Reformers  of  France 
were  evangelical  in  their  doctrines,  and  pure  in  their  pur- 
poses, Calvin  published  at  Easily*  The  Institutj2s  of  the 
Christian  Religiok.  The  preface  addressed  to  Francis  I. 
is  a  masterly  production,  unrivalled  for  force  of  argument, 
classick  purity,  and  persuasive  eloquence. 

The  management  of  Bellay,  and  "  the  wicked  and  false 
pamphlets"  which  were  dispersed  among  the  Germans,  m- 
stead  of  abating,  increased  their  resentment  against  Francis, 
as  they  became  informed  of  the  true  state  of  the  case.  The 
Elector  of  Saxony,  and  the  other  confederate  princes,  not  on- 
ly refused  him  their  assistance,  but  aided  the  Emperour  who 
had,  frbm  motives  of  policy,  refrained  from  usiiig  any  vio- 
lence against  the  dissemination  of  their  doctrines.  From  the 
same  cause  they  prevented  IMelancthon  from  visiting  the 
French  Court,  although  he  discovered  a  strong  inclination  to 
comply  with  the  plausible  but  deceptive  invitation  of  the 
King. 

Clement  IMarot,  a  poet  of  considerable  distinction,!  being 
represented  by  tlie  Papists  as  one  of  those  who  prepared  and 
affixed  the  placards  to  the  door  of  the  palace,  was  brought 
into  discredit  with  Francis.     Finding  that  they  had  seized 

•  See  Letters  No.  1.— Most  editions  now  have  tlie  date  August  1, 1536. 
Mr.  Bayle,  who  examined  the  subject,  is  decidedly  of  opinion  lliat  the  first 
edition  was  at  Basil,  August  1,  1535.  Calvin's  own  statement  accords  with 
this  date.    And  it  appears  that  the  custom  of  book-sellers  was,  to  put  the 

date  of  the  next  year  to  a  ASfork  printed  off  toward  the  end  of  August. 

Bayle,  Ait.  Flacius.  Dupln  says,  that  the  first  edition  was  printed  at  Ba- 
sil, 1535. Eccl.  Hist.  16th  Cent.  p.  182. 

■f  See  Notes  and  Biog.  No.  8. 


^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  loZb 

his  bookf,  and  -tvere  in  pursuit  of  his  person,  he  left  Blois,  and 
sought  protection  at  Beam,  under  his  former  patroness,  the 
Queen  of  Navarre.  IMarot,  still  apprehensive  of  danger  from 
the  virulence  of  his  enemies,  retired  into  Italy  to  the  court 
of  the  Princess  of  lienee.  Duchess  of  Ferrara.*  This  Prin- 
cess was  daughter  of  Lewis  XII.  and  cousin  to  the  amiable 
Margaret  de  Yalois.  She  had  imbibed  the  principles  of  the 
Reformers,  and  was  eminently  distinguished  for  her  virtue, 
learnhig  and  uniform  piety.  The  reputation  of  Renee  ex- 
cited the  attention  of  Calvin,  and  after  the  publication  of  his 
Institutes,  he  went  into  Italy  to  visit  this  illustrious  woman. 
She  received  him  with  kindness,  and  listened  to  his  instruc- 
tions, by  Avhich  he  confirmed  her  more  strongly  m  the  true 
doctrines  of  the  gospel.  She  continued  for  thirty  years,  till 
the  close  of  life,f  to  be  a  nursing  mother  to  the  reformed 
Church.  The  exalted  opinion  which  she  formed  of  Calvin 
was  testified  by  the  respect  uniformly  shown  him  in  her  let- 
ters while  he  lived  ;  and  after  his  decease,  she  gave  proof  of 
her  gi'ateful  attachment  to  his  memory.  The  Duke  of  Fer- 
rara was  a  Papist,  and  circumstances  made  it  expedient  for 
the  Duchess  to  be  reserved  on  those  doctrines,  which  she 
faithfully  cherished  in  her  heart.  Calvin  spent  but  a  short 
time  in  Italy,  and  returned  to  France,  to  settle  his  pecunia- 
ry concerns  at  Noyon.  To  avoid  the  prevailing  persecu- 
cution,  he  resolved  to  retire,  a\  ith  his  only  surviving  bro- 
ther, Anthony  Calvin,  and  establish  his  residence  at  Basil  or 
Strasburg,  that  he  might  pursue  his  studies  in  quiet  seclu- 
sion. 

The  Emperour,  instead  of  waiting  for  Francis  to  com- 
mence the  war  which  he  had  tlireatened,  marched  his  troopt 

*  The  placards  were  posted  on  the  door  of  the  palace  in  November, 
1534. — The  procession,  mass,  and  burning  of  the  eight  Refonners,  was  ip 
January,  1535.    About  this  time  Marot  went  to  Ferrara.— ^Bayle 

T  See  Notes  and  Biog.  No.  9. 


^36  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  13 

into  France  in  May,  1536.  The  direct  road  leading  from 
France  to  Strasburg  was  by  this  means  obstructed.  Calvin, 
with  his  brother  changed  their  route,  and  passed  through 
the  borders  of  Savoy,  and,  by  the  guiding  hand  of  Provi- 
dence, came  to  Geneva. 

Geneva,  though  formerly  an  imperial  city,  had  for  some 
years  been  under  the  immediate  government  of  the  Bishop, 
•who  had  the  title  of  Prince  of  the  town  and  adjacent  coun- 
try. The  Dukes  of  Savoy  had  long  contended  with  the 
Bishop  of  Geneva  for  the  government  of  that  city.  The 
form  of  its  internal  constitution  was  purely  republican.  The> 
people  annually  elected  four  Syndicks,  twenty-five  Senators, 
and  a  Council  of  two  liundred,  for  the  management  of  their 
publick  affairs.  The  citizens,  \\ho  were  attached  to  the  po- 
pular form  of  their  government,  had  always  been  firm  in 
their  opposition  to  those  who  supported  the  episcopal  or 
ducal  prerogatives. 

In  1532,  William  Farel  visited  Geneva,  and  preached  the 
reformed  doctrines  with  considerable  success.  But,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  powerful  opposition  of  the  Grand  Vicar  and 
the  Popish  party,  he  was  obliged  to  retire.  The  instructions 
however  of  Farel  inspired  the  friends  of  the  popular  govern- 
ment with  a  bolder  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  a  warmer  zeal 
for  the  defence  of  their  civil  rights.  The  Duke  and  the  Bish- 
op, being  from  prejudice  and  political  interest  alike  violent  in 
their  opposition  to  the  Pteformalion,  induced  of  course  all  the 
friends  of  the  pure  doctrines  to  unite  with  those  who  were  ar- 
dent in  defending  their  elective  privileges.  Their  love  of  li- 
berty and  zeal  for  their  religion,  strengthened  by  every  selfish 
passion,  gave  fresh  vigour  to  their  eiTorts,  and  in  their  success- 
ive contests  they  made  substantial  advances  to  their  object.— 
The  Duke  and  the  Bishop  dropped  their  contending  claims, 
and  from  policy  united  their  strength  against  the  common 
enemy.     In  1534,  the  Duke  attacked  them  as  rebels,  l3v  sur. 


14  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1536 

prise.  The  Bishop,  at  the  same  time,  to  divest  them  of  the 
rights  of  humanity,  excommunicated  them  for  apostacy  and 
sacrilege.  They  despised  the  censures  of  the  latter,  and  bold- 
ly defended  themselves  against  the  inhuman  attack  of  the 
former.  The  Bishop,  after  having  excited  the  hatred  of  the 
Duke  of  Savoy  by  his  weakness  and  duplicity,  and  the  indig- 
nation of  the  citizens  by  his  vices  and  Papal  censures,  made  a 
precipitate  retreat  from  Geneva.  The  zealous  and  decided 
Farel  was  immediately  invited  to  return  ;  and  together  with 
the  amiable  Viret  commenced,  with  more  effect,  his  evangel- 
ical  labours.  The  Genevese,  in  these  successful  strugglee, 
%vere  assisted  by  the  Canton  of  Bern  ;  and  Francis  I.,  who 
supported  or  destroyed  the  Reformers,  as  his  political  interest 
dictated,  sent  them  secret  supplies.  They  defeated  the  Duke 
of  Savoy,  extended  their  authority  over  the  neighbouring  cas- 
tles, and  eventually  established  their  independence  on  the  re- 
publican basis.  This  free  and  independent  city  progressed, 
under  the  benign  influence  of  the  reformed  doctrines,  to  a  de- 
gree of  consideration,  wealth  and  influence,  which  Avas  for  a 
long  period  of  momentous  import  to  the  civil  and  religious 
concerns  of  Europe.* 

Flushed  with  victory,  and  animated  with  the  pleasing  ex- 
pectations of  independence  and  liberty,  the  citizens  of  Gene- 
va yielded  with  unqualified  promptness  to  the  counsels  of 
Farel  and  Viret.  In  1535,  in  a  full  assembly  of  the  people, 
they  obtained  the  abolition  of  tlie  Papal  authority,  and  the 
adaption  of  the  doctrines  and  worship  of  the  reformed 
Churches.  Many  however  consented  to  a  change  in  their  re- 
ligious forms,  from  interest  or  necessity,  who  were  still, 
through  iajnorance  and  habit,  strongly  attached  to  the  super- 
stitions of  Popery.  The  Popish  corruptions  and  prejudices, 
the  materials  for  subsequent  tumults  and  factions,  were  at 

*  Dupin  Ecd.  Hist.  16  Cent.  p.  179.    Robert,  Ch.  V.  Vol.  3,  p.  117.—— 
■Rees'  Cyclopxd.  Art.  Geneva. 


1536  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1,5 

this  time  rather  checked  than  destroyed.  A  revolution  in  go- 
vernment and  religion,  eJiected  so  suddenly,  could  not  at 
once  be  followed,  under  any  new  structure  which  might  be 
raised,  with  stability  and  order. 

Such  was  the  state  of  things  at  Geneva  when  Calvin  and 
his  brother  arrived  to  refresh  themselves  and  lodge  for  a  sin- 
gle night.     An  acquaintance  of  his  immediately  made  him 
known  to  Farel.     This  bold  and  zealous  Reformer,  feeling 
deeply  interested  in  the  success  of  the  cause  at  Geneva,  used 
every  persuasive  method  to  retain  him.     Farel,  finding  how- 
ever that  Calvin's  object  was  to  devote  himself  to  private  and 
retired  studies,  and  that  he  prevailed  nothing  Ijy  entreaty  to 
divert  him  from  this  determined  purpose,  said  in  the  strong 
language  of  imprecation,  I  declare  to  ymi,  in  the  name  of  Al- 
mighty God,  if  under  the  pretext  of  love  to  your  studies,  you  re- 
fuse to  unite  your  labours  with  ours  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  ths 
Lord  mill  curse  you  in  your  retirement,  as  seeking  your  own 
nill  and  not  his. — Awed  by  this  denmiciation,  Calvin  gave 
over  the  prosecution  of  his  journey  to  Strasburg,  and  yielded 
to  the  will  of  the  Presbytery  and  of  the  Magistrates.     By  their 
suffrages,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  people,  he  was  not  onhf- 
chosen  Preacher  (which  he  at  first  refused)  ;  but  was  also  elect- 
ed Professor  of  sacred  literature,  which  he  accepted,  in  the 
month  of  August,  lo3G.#     Calvin,  being  conscious  of  his  bash- 
fulness  and  timidity  declined  at  first  to  pledge  himself  to  per- 
form the  duties  of  the  ministerial  office-f    In  his  letter  to  Su- 
dolet,  he  says — Doctoris  prinuim,  dcinde  Pastoris  immere  in 
Ecclesia  illafunctussum. — Sluod  earn provtnciam  suscepi,  legiti- 
■truz  fuisse  vocationis  jure  meo  contendo. — I  discharged  frst  the 
office  of  Professor,  and  afterwards  that  of  Pastor  in  that  Church. 
— /  contend  that  I  accepted  of  that  charge  having  the  avthoritij 
of  a  lawful  vocation.'^ 

*  A  literal  translation  from  Beza.  \  See  Letters  No.  1  and  3. 

+  Opuscxila  Calvini  p.  105.    Responsio  ad  Sadoletum.     See  Notes  &vA 
Biog.  No.  9. 


16  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  USf 

About  this  time  the  Genevese  formed  an  alliance  with  the 
city  of  Bern,  which  aiforded  them  a  mutual  support  against 
their  enemies.  The  city  of  Lausanne,  also,  after  a  publick 
disputation,  between  the  Papists  and  the  Reformers,  at  which 
Calvin  was  present,  acceded  to  the  worship  and  doctrine  of 
the  Reformed  Churches. 

The  first  object  of  Calvin's  attention  at  Geneva  was  to 
publish  a  Formula  of  doctrines,  and  a  short  Catechism  dis- 
tributed into  questions  and  answers,  adapted  to  the  state  of 
the  Genevese  Church,  on  its  first  emerging  from  the  deiu- 
gions  of  Popery. 

Calvin,  at  this  time,  entered  with  Farel  and  Coraud  on 
the  duties  of  his  pastoral  oHice,  and  directed  all  his  elforts  to 
advance  the  purity  of  the  Church.  Some  of  his  colleagues^ 
avoided  the  tumults  of  the  opposition  fi'om  fear  ;  while  oth- 
ers increased  his  anxiety  by  secretly  countenancing  the  fac- 
tious. Farel  and  Coraud,  who  were  among  the  first  Reformers 
in  France,  were  determined  in  their  labours,  and  resolutely 
gave  him  all  possible  assistance  to  prepare  the  minds  of  the 
people  to  abjiure  the  Papal  authority,  and  to  take  an  oath  of 
adherence  to  some  specified  articles  of  doctrine  and  disci- 
pline. It  can  excite  no  surprise,  that  a  people  scarcely  eman- 
cipated from  Popish  superstitions,  whose  habits  had  been 
formed  under  their  licentious  influence,  should  furnish  ma- 
ny individuals  who  would  strenuously  oppose  the  most  whole* 
some  restraints  of  religion.  Notwithstanding  the  opposition  of 
those  colleagues,  who  had  acted  in  that  Church  under  the  Pop- 
ish polity,  on  the  26th  of  July,  1537,  the  Senate  and  citizens  of 

*  These  colleagues  appear  to  have  been  men  who  had  been  either 
Priests  before  the  Genevese  abjured  the  Papal  forms,  or  persons  educated 
in  the  loose  habits  of  that  corrupt  Churcli.  But  they  could  not  have  been 
colleajj;utjs  of  Calvin,  as  Beza  calls  them,  unless  he  had  himself  iee?!  ordain- 
ed. Calvin,  it  seems,  held  the  ofHce  of  Minister  in  the  first  Church  of  Ge- 
neva.   All  the  Churches  in  that  territory  were  collegiate  Churches. 


US7  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  IT 

Geneva,  preceded  by  the  Recorder,  entered  the  council- 
house,  and  publickly  took  the  oath  of  adherence  to  the  pro- 
posed articles  of  doctrine,  and  rules  of  discipline. 

During  the  period  in  which  Calvin,  with  Farel  and  Co- 
raud,  were  preparing  the  Formula  of  worship,  the  Anabaptist?, 
amidst  the  dissensions  which  prevailed,  took  occasion  to  in- 
crease the  difficulties,  by  attempting  to  propagate  their  prin- 
ciples. These  being  destructive  of  all  religious  order  and 
civil  coercion,  were  of  course  adapted  to  captivate  the  disaf- 
fected and  unruly.  Those  among  the  Genevese  who  Averc 
the  secret  adherents  of  Popery,  although  opposed  to  the 
strange  notions  of  that  new  sect,  were  still  however  united 
with  them  in  opposing  the  establishment  of  the  pure  doctrines 
and  discipline  in  that  Church.  Observing  those  operations, 
Calvin  and  his  faithful  colleagues  requested  to  hold  a  pub- 
lick  disputation  with  the  Anabaptists,  concerning  their  opi- 
nions. On  the  18th  of  March,  1537,  the  dispute  was  held  in 
a  full  assembly  of  the  people.  The  Anabaptists  were  so  com- 
pletely confuted  by  the  testimony  of  the  scriptures,  that  they 
left  Geneva  which  was  rarely  visited  afterwards  by  any  of  that 
obtrusive  sect. 

At  the  same  time,  a  certain  Peter  Caroli,  who  had  been  ex- 
pelled from  the  school  of  the  Sorbonne  at  Paris,  came  to  Ge- 
neva. He  assumed  the  pompous  title  of  a  Bishop,  pursued 
by  the  inquisition  of  Paris  for  having  advocated  the  true  doc- 
trines. His  poverty  and  imposture  being  detected  and  ex- 
posed, he  was  refused  the  ministerial  fellowship  which  at  first 
Calvin  and  his  colleagues  Avere  disposed  to  grant  him.  En- 
raged at  this  repulse,  he  became  the  easy  tool  of  the  factious. 
Ptelying  on  the  clandestine  assistance  of  some  of  the  principal 
leaders  of  the  disaffected,  he  obtruded  himself  upon  a  busi- 
ness which  a  judicious  mind  would  have  discovered  must  ul- 
timately terminate  in  defeat  and  disgrace.  The  following  ex- 
tract of  Calvin's  letter  to  Gryneus,  Minister  at  Basil,  will  fur- 

3 


18  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  153r 

nish  a  sufficient  statement  of  the  conduct  of  Caroli  in  his  ac- 
cusations against  Calvin,  Farel  and  Viret,  and  its  issue  in  the 
Synod  at  Lausanne  : — 

"  Calvin  to  Gryxeus. 

"  When  we  heard  ourselves  impeach- 


ed by  Caroli  of  the  heresy  of  Arius,  and  then  of  that  of  Sa- 
bellius,  it  did  not  much  disturb  us,  as  our  ears  had  l^ecome 
^easoned  to  such  calumnies,  and  we  entertained  the  confi- 
dent expectation,  that  it  would  presently  vanish  into  smoke. 
By  openly  denying  the  charges,  we  did  all  that  was  imme- 
diately in  our  power.  This  was  abundantly  sufficient  to  sa- 
tisfy all  persons  of  religion  and  integrity.  Om'  Catechism 
was  written  a  little  before  this  time,  and  published  in  French. 
In  this  we  testified,  that — The  Father,  Sox  and  Spirit, 
nere  embraced  in  the  One  Essence  of  God  ;  and  we  so  dis- 
tinguished one  from  the  other,  as  to  leave  no  room  for  per- 
verse suspicions.  We  taught,  for  instance,  that  Christ  ivas 
the  true  and  natural  Son  of  God,  who  had  possessed  one  Di- 
vinity nith  the  Father  from  eternity  ;  that,  in  the  appoifited 
time,  He  Iiad  taken  our  flesh  for  our  redemption. — But  when 
this  outrageous  man  still  persisted,  we  requested  that  a  con- 
vention of  ^Ministers  should  be  granted  us,  fiom  the  whole 
Canton  of  Bern,  that  we  might  before  them  defend  our  inno- 
cence. The  brethren  of  the  French  language  were  first  as- 
sembled at  Lausanne,  and  with  them  were  also  sent  two 
Senators  and  two  IMinisters  of  Bern.  Equipped  to  sup- 
port the  accusation  with  the  precaution  of  a  Lawyer,  Ca- 
roli came  with  his  satchel  of  papers.  In  our  refutation,  we 
so  exhausted  his  whole  bundle  of  evidence,  that  there  was 
not  the  least  suspicion  remaining  on  the  minds  of  the  Coun- 
cil, who  judged  our  confession  to  be  most  pious  and  holy. — 
We  were  acquitted  by  the  decision  of  the  Synod,  not  only 


1537  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  19 

from  errour,  but  from  all  suspicion.     Caroli  was  condemned 
as  an  infamous  calumniator.* 

"  Yours,  &c.'* 

This  mischievous  sophist  had  the  hardihood  to  continue 
his  accusations,  on  the  ground  that  he  had  other  and  high- 
er evidence  to  convict  those  Ministers  of  heresy.  A  second 
trial  was  holden  before  the  Synod  at  Bern.  The  result  was 
equally  unfavourable  to  Caroli.  This  sycophant  was  after- 
wards, by  a  decree  of  the  Senate  of  Geneva,  expcJIad  from 
their  territory.  P^estless  and  dissatisfied  with  himself, 
and  envious  at  the  distinction  of  others,  Caroli  alternately 
changed  from  the  Papists  to  the  Reformers,  courting  the  one 
by  calumniating  the  other,  till  he  fell  into  merited  disgrace 
with  both.  After  unsuccessfully  courting  the  favour  of  the 
Papists  at  Metz,  by  opposing  the  preaching  of  Farel  in  that 
city,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  Calvin.  In  this  he  attempt- 
ed to  exculpate  himself,  and  implored  his  assistance  to  pro- 
vide him  with  the  charge  of  some  Church,  which  might 
supply  him  with  the  means  of  subsistence.  To  his  letter 
Calvin  returned  a  faithful  and  affectionate  answer,f  assuring 
him  of  his  assistance,  when  that  penitency  and  humility 
should  be  manifested  which  the  aggravated  nature  of  his  of- 
fences demanded.  Favour  on  these  terms  Mas  in  vain  ex- 
tended to  this  irritable  man,  who  had  become  familiar  with 
falsehood  and  other  vices.  Reduced  at  length  to  a  wretch- 
ed and  destitute  condition,  and  labouring  under  a  loathsome 
disease,  he  was,  after  much  difficulty,  received  by  the  Pa- 
pists into  an  hospital,  where  he  ended  his  days  in  a  manner 
correspondent  to  the  wicked  course  of  his  life. 

The  anxiety  of  Calvin  was  excited,  toward  the  close  of 
this  year,  at  the  conduct  of  many  persons  in  France,  who 

•  In  Epistolis  Calvini,  p.  22r— et  Epistolis  Farelli  ad  Calvinnm,  p.  SI. 
t  See  Letters,  No.  4. 


20  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1537 

received  the  true  doctrines,  but  to  avoid  persecution,  or  se- 
cure emoluments,  publickly  adhered  to  the  Popish  service. 
Prompt  iu  his  attention  to  whatever  might  promote  or  re- 
tard the  progress  of  the  Reformation,  he  wrote  on  that  sub- 
ject two  elegant  epistles.#  The  first  on  the  duty  of  avoid- 
ing the  unlawful  superstitions  of  the  Romish  Church,  and  of 
openly  professing  Christ,  he  addressed  to  Nicholas  Ceminus, 
his  intimate  friend  when  at  the  University  of  Orleans.  Ce-= 
minus,  having  received  the  appointment  of  a  civil  office  in 
the  Province  of  la  Maine,  requested  the  advice  of  Calvin,  on 
the  following  question :  How  far  one  might  innocently  appear 
as  a  Papist,  in  accommodating  himself  to  their  forms,  while 
he  cherished  in  private  the  principles  of  the  true  religion  ? 
In  the  answer  of  Calvin,  the  strong  feelings  of  personal  friend- 
ship, and  the  predominant  love  of  that  Saviour,  who  de- 
mands, in  his  service,  the  whole  heart,  are  mterwoven  with 
an  interest  of  affection,  and  an  energy  of  argument,  which 
bear  the  soul  along  on  the  slow  but  increasing  current  of 
conviction,  till  it  insensibly  rises  into  that  animated  apprehen- 
sion of  unseen  things,  before  which  the  favour  or  displeasure 
of  the  world  dwmdies  into  all  its  transient  littleness. 

The  other  epistle  Cahan  dedicated  to  Gerard  Roussel,  who, 
after  his  imprisonment  at  Paris  in  1533,  was  retained  at  Nerac 
by  the  Queen  as  her  domestick  Minister.  By  her  favour, 
he  was  first  made  Abbot  of  Clerac,  and  afterwards  Bishop 
of  Oleron.  Calvin  addresses  his  old  friend,  with  a  familiari- 
ty of  reproof  which  testifies  his  grief  at  the  step  Roussel 
had  taken  to  cover  himself  from  persecution.  Enlarging  on 
the  pleasing  expectations  which  he  might  entertain  of  secu- 
rity in  his  M'orldly  promotion,  he  proceeds  to  exhibit  the  na- 
ture of  the  office,  and  the  absolute  duties  of  a  Bishop  of  Je- 

*  In  Opusculis  Calvini,  pp.  409 — 423.  These  two  epistles  were  translat- 
ed into  German  by  Leo  Judah,  a  Minister  of  Ziu-ich,  and  published  in  1539. 
. Judah's  letter  to  Calvin,  among  his  Epistles,  p.  12. 


1537  LIFE  OF  CAI.YIN.  21 

sus  Clirist.  He  draws  a  contrast  between  them  and  tlie  rites 
and  superstitions  of  the  Romish  Church,  which  Roussel  had 
pledged  himself  to  perform,  by  accepting  and  liolding  his 
office  visibly  in  that  communion.  He  presses  the  enquiry, 
with  a  force  not  easily  evaded,  Wliether  an  honest  man  can 
perform  those  stipulated  services,  which  he  had  enumerated 
as  unscriptural  ?  He  calls  Roussel  before  the  judgment  seat 
of  Christ,  to  answer  the  enquiry  •,  and  concludes  by  urging 
him,  with  a  zealous  and  eloquent  earnestness  for  the  cause 
of  Christ,  either  openly  and  promptly  to  fulfil  the  duties  of  the 
episcopal  office,  as  limited  and  commanded  by  the  -r  ord  of 
God,  or  to  leave  his  standing  and  emoluments  in  that  polluted 
Church,  for  rewards  more  durable  than  the  dignitaries  of  this 
world  can  bestow.  In  the  conclusion  of  this  letter,  the  reason- 
ing of  Calvin  corresponded  with  his  own  example.  He  urges 
the  point  of  duty,  as  at  that  time  of  peculiar  moment  to  be 
clearly  understood  among  the  friends  of  the  true  doctrines, 
who  were  surrounded  by  many  dangers  and  temptations ; 
and  insists  that  all  persons  loving  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus, 
ought  to  withdraw  from  the  idolatrous  communion,  the  usurp- 
ed authority,  and  profligate  priesthood  of  that  Church. 

The  changes  produced  in  many  families  and  estates  of  the 
Genevese,  by  their  late  war  with  the  Duke  of  Savoy,  which 
terminated  in  their  nidependence,  laid  the  foundation  for 
subsequent  contests.  From  this  cause,  and  the  corrupt  ha- 
bits of  the  people,  animosities  successively  arose,  and  nume- 
rous hindrances  were  thrown  in  the  way  to  obstruct  the  pro- 
gress of  Church  order  and  discipline.  Calvin,  Farel  and 
Coraud,  harmonizing  in  their  opinions,  pursued  the  mild 
course  of  instruction,  and  of  expostulations  with  the  refrac- 
tory, to  bring  the  people  by  degrees  to  conform  to  the  doc- 
trines and  discipline  which  they  had  adopted.  Their  most 
faithful  exertions,  hoAvever,  proved  unavailing.  Tlie  passions 
of  those,  whose  flagrant  vices  they  had  reproved,  Avere  kin- 


22  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1538 

died  into  the  bitterest  resentment  against  them.  The  evils 
were  daily  accumulating,  by  the  factions  into  which  the  city 
Ttas  divided,  till,  confiding  in  the  strength  of  their  numbers, 
many  openly  refused  to  submit  to  those  rules  of  discipline 
which  they  had  sworn  to  support  and  obey.  Those  J\Iinis- 
ters  were  conscious,  that  if  they  relinquislied  the  restraints  of 
discipline,  and  their  restrictive  admonitions  against  the  vices 
of  the  profligate,  they  should  eventually  defeat  ?!'  the  pur- 
poses of  the  Church  of  Clurist.  They  judged  it  expedient, 
therefore,  to  take  a  determined  stand  ii'  what  they  conceiv- 
ed to  be  their  official  duty,  and  abidt  the  consequences. 
They  publickly  refused  to  dispense  the  Lord's  Supper  to 
those  persons  who  rejected  the  rules  of  discipline,  and 
who  were  labouring  to  open  the  same  easy  and  licentious  ac- 
cess to  the  Eucharist  as  that  in  which  they  were  indulged 
by  the  Popish  Church.  These  fermentations  were  accelerat- 
ed by  the  differences  which  had  arisen  between  the  Church 
of  Geneva  and  that  of  Bern,  with  respect  to  some  of  their 
ceremonies.  The  Genevese,  before  Calvin  settled  with  them, 
had  introduced  the  use  of  leavened  bread  at  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, removed  the  Popisli  baptismal  fonts,  and  abolished  all 
the  festivals  of  the  Romish  Church,  observing  the  Lord's 
day  only  as  holy  time.#  A  Synod  held  at  Lausanne  had  or- 
dered that  the  fonts,  with  the  festivals  and  the  unleavened 
bread,  should  be  restored.  But  as  the  Ministers  of  Geneva 
had  not  been  called  to  that  Synod,  they  demanded  the  pri- 
vilege of  being  heard.  Upon  this  it  was  agreed  that  these 
differences  should  he  referred  to  the  decision  of  a  Council 
to  be  holden  at  Zurich.  This  controversy  about  the  cere- 
monials of  religion  furnished  an  occasion  for  those  disaffected 

*  Calvin,  in  his  letter  to  tlie  Ministers  of  Bern,  says.  Before  I  came  first 
to  this  city,  all  the  Popish  festivals  had  been  abolished.  This  had  been 
thought  proper  by  Farel  and  Viret,  and  I  willingly  acquiesced  in  tlie  re- 
csivedcnstom. 


1538  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  23 

Syndicks,  who  had  aided  Caroli  in  his  proceedings,  to  make 
more  effectual  exertions  to  displace  those  Ministers.  In  the 
alternative  of  submitting  to  ecclesiastical  censures,  or  ejecting 
those  faithful  Pastors,  they  had  no  hesitancy  in  making  their 
election.  They  convened  an  assembly  of  the  people,  ia 
which  the  greater  part  overpowered  the  better,  and  without 
granting  the  request  of  those  Pastors  to  be  heard,  they  ob- 
tained an  order.  That  Farel,  Calvin  and  Coraud  should  leave 
the  city  within  tno  days.  When  this  sentence  was  announced 
to  Calvin,  conscious  of  his  integrity,  and  confident  of  the  ap- 
probation of  his  divine  Master,  he  said.  Had  I  been  in  the 
service  of  men,  this  would  have  been  a  poor  reward  ;  but  it  is 
well. — /  have  served  Him,  who  never  fails  to  repay  Ms  ser- 
vants whatever  he  has  promised. 

In  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  people,  Farel,  Calvin  and 
Coraud,*  amidst  the  lamentations  of  their  whole  flock,  retir- 
ed from  Geneva.  They  proceeded  directly  to  Zurich,  to 
attend,  according  to  appointment,  the  Synod  of  the  Swiss 
Churches.  This  Council,  by  a  formal  decree,  requested  the 
Church  of  Bern  to  interpose  their  influence  w  ith  the  Gene- 
vese  for  the  recall  of  those  exiled  Ministers.  Their  efforts 
were  however  unavailing. 

Man  is  often  impatient  to  effect,  at  once,  the  objects  which 
he  regards  as  desirable ;  but  God  fulfils  his  counsels  by  a 
progress  and  order  comprehended  only  by  himself:  With 
him,  delay  is  accomplishment.  Geneva  was  still  destined  of 
God,  to  be  the  place  for  the  immense  labours  and  extensive 
influence  of  Calvin,  in  promoting  the  cause  of  the  Reforma- 
tion. By  passing  into  exile  his  faith  was  tried,  his  experi- 
ence enlarged,  his  acquaintance  with  other  Churches  and  di- 
vines extended,  and  his  subsequent  authority  and  usefulness 
vastly  promoted. 

*  See  Letters,  No.  5.    Coraud's  death- 


24!  LIFE  OF  CALVIJN.  1538 

By  his  ejectment  Calvin  was  freed  from  the  obligations  of 
his  ministerial  calling.  He  spent  a  short  time  at  Basil,  and 
then  retired  to  Strasburg,  where  he  determined  to  repose 
himself  in  retirement,  and  devote  his  whole  attention  to  his 
favourite  studies.  The  Church  in  this  city  was  illuminated 
by  those  distinguished  men,  Bucer,  Capito,  Hedio,  Niger, 
and  Sturm ius.#  Calvin  had  not  long  enjoyed  his  retirement, 
before  the  influence  of  Bucer  and  his  associates  procured  his 
election  to  the  Professorship  of  Theology  in  the  College  of 
Strasburg.  His  learning,  his  talents  and  application  enabled 
him  to  discharge  the  duties  of  this  office  with  unrivalled 
applause.  He  had  an  unwavering  testimony  of  the  publick 
approbation,  in  the  increasing  number  of  students,  who  Mere 
attracted  to  that  seminary  by  his  reputation.  At  the  re- 
quest of  his  friends,  he  at  length  resumed  his  ministerial  du- 
ties, and,  with  the  approbation  of  the  Senate,  gathered  a 
French  Church  ;  and  estaljlished  the  same  order  of  worship 
and  discipline,  which  he  had  introduced  into  that  of  Ge- 
neva. 

The  factious  Syndicks,  having  obtained  the  subversion  of 
that  ecclesiastical  order  and  discipline,  which  they  opposed 
as  too  rigid  and  severe,  proceeded  to  introduce  unleavened 
bread,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  common  bread,  which  had 
been  used  at  the  Lord's  Supper  by  Farel  and  Viret,  since 
the  adoption  of  the  reformed  doctrines  in  that  Church. 
This  occasioned  new  dissensions  among  the  members.  Anx- 
ious to  prevent  divisions,  and  to  keep  the  sound  members  in 
that  Church  from  separation,  Calvin  addressed  a  letter  to 
those  who  were  oifended  at  the  change.f  He  admonished 
them,  among  other  things,  not  to  abstain  from  the  Eucha- 
rist, to  use  moderation,  and  accommodate  tlieraselves  to  those 

•  John  Sturmius,  Rector  of  the  school,  is  to  be  distinguished  from  James, 
the  Senator  and  Syndick  of  Strasburg. 
t  See  Letters,  No.  6. 


ra38  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  25 

designing  innovators,  lest  they  should  excite  a  serious  conten- 
tion about  things  in  themselves  indifferent.  Ready  to  con- 
tend even  to  death,  in  defence  of  essential  doctrines,  Calvin 
well  knew  how  to  exercise  moderation,  about  such  matters 
as  the  use  of  leavened  or  unleavened  bread  at  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

The  Genevese  Church  were,  at  this  time,  divided  among 
themselves,  and  destitute  of  learned  and  influential  Pastorp. 
In  this  situation,  they  were  exposed,  as  an  object  of  prey,  to 
the  Papists,  who  were  vigilant  and  active  to  seize  the  op- 
portunity to  bring  them  back  to  the  Romish  Church.  James 
Sadolet,  Bishop  of  Carpentras,  a  city  of  Dauphiny,  and  on 
the  borders  of  Savoy,  had  been  created  a  Cardinal  in  his  ad- 
vanced years,  for  the  special  purpose  of  increasing  his  exer- 
tions and  influence  in  repressing  the  progress  of  the  reform- 
ed doctrines.  Distinguished  for  his  talents,  eloquence  and 
correct  morals,  he  well  understood  how  to  time  and  temper 
his  exertions  for  the  most  effectual  accomplishment  of  liis 
purpose.  He  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Senate,  Council  and 
people  of  Geneva,  under  the  meek  appellation  of  Beloved 
Brethren.^  With  a  richness  of  style,  mildness  of  mamier. 
and  prudence  of  argument,  adapted  to  soften  their  prejudices, 
he  endeavoured  to  fix  their  attention  on  those  points,  about 
which  they  most  directly  agreed  ;  and  affectionately  entreat- 
ed them  to  return  within  the  pale  of  the  mother  Church. 
On  perusing  this  impressive  letter,  at  Strasburg,  Calvin  per- 
ceived the  evils  it  might  oceasion  to  the  Genevese  Church, 
from  that  smooth,  deceptive  reasoning,  which  was  artfully 
pursued  to  fascinate  the  ignorant  and  undisciplined  mind. 

The  answer  which  Calvin  addressed  to  Sadolet  reversed 
both  the  manner  and  matter  of  the  Cardinal's  argument. 
Open,  distinct  and  dignified,  it  placed  before  the  people  of 

*  Sadolet's  Letl<-r,  in  Opus.  Cal.  April  7, 1539.— The  answer  of  Calvin  is 
Alated  September  1,  1539. 


5(J  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  1530 

Geneva  the  precise  points  of  the  controversy  ;  unmasked  the 
pollutions  of  Popery ;  fixed  their  attention  on  the  essential 
terms  of  acceptance  with  God  at  the  day  of  Judgment,  and 
with  an  eloquence  of  argument  so  appropriate,  as  placed  the 
object  of  the  Cardinal's  pursuit  eifectually  beyond  his  reach. 

Daring  this  year,  Calvin  published  a  revised  edition  of 
his  InstiUitrs ; — his  Commentary  on  the  Epistle  to  the  Bo- 
mans,  Avhich  he  dedicated  to  his  friend  Simon  Gryneus  ;— 
and  a  small  \vork  on  the  Lord's  Supper,%  by  •which  he  de- 
signed to  allay  the  severe  controversies  on  the  subject,  which 
were  in  agitation  between  the  adherents  of  ZidngUus  and 
Luther. 

Among  those  whom  Calvin  had  been  successful  in  reclaim- 
ing from  the  Anabaptists,  two  were  persons  of  some  distinc- 
tion. Faul  Folse,  to  whom  Erasmus  dedicated  his  Enchiri- 
dium  Militis  Christiani,  and  who  was  afterwards  a  Pastor  in 
the  Church  of  Strasburg  ;  and  John  Storder,  of  Liege,  w^hose 
widow,  Lleletta,  de  Bure,  Calvin  married,  by  the  advice  of 
Bucer,  in  the  year  1540.  In  a  letter  to  Farel  Calvin  writes 
thus : — "  Concerning  my  marriage,  I  now  speak  more  openly 
— you  know  very  well  what  qualifications,  I  ahvays  expect- 
ed in  a  wife.  I  am  not  of  that  passionate  race  of  lovers, 
who,  when  once  captivated  with  the  external  form,  embrace 
also,  with  eagerness,  the  moral  defects  it  may  cover.  The 
person  Avho  would  delight  me  with  her  beauty,  must  be 
chaste,  frugal,  patient,  and  afford  me  some  hope,  that  she 

will  be  solicitous  for  my  personal  health  and  prosperity. 

Strasburg,  May  29,  1539." 

The  only  child  of  Calvin  was  a  son,  ^v}\o  died  in  1515. 
Calvin,  at  the  close  of  a  letter  to  Viret,  dated  August  19,  of 
that  year,  says,  The  Lord  has  certainly  inflicted  a  heavy  and 
severe  wound  on  Jis,  by  the  death  of  our  little  son  ;  but  he  is 
our  Father  and  knows  what  is  expedient  for  his  children. 

*  In  Opusculis  Calvini. 


1539  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  27 

In  the  ppring  of  1539,  Calvin,  vith  Simon  Gryneus,  was 
appointed,  bj-  the  Churches  of  Strasburjr,  to  attend  the  im- 
perial Synod  at  Frankfort.*  He  alsg  attended,  with  Bucer 
and  John  Sturmius,  at  the  Diet  of  ^Vorms  in  1540,  and  the 
Diet  of  Ratisbon  in  15il.  In  his  letters  to  Farcl,  he  gave 
an  interesting  detail  of  the  transactions  of  those  conventions, 
and  designated  the  characters  of  the  most  distinguished  per- 
sons who  attended  them.f  Calvin  interested  himself  in  fa- 
vour of  the  persecuted  brethren  in  France,  and  eventually 
succeeded  in  procuring  an  address  to  the  King,  from  the 
States  and  Princes  of  Germany,  for  the  relief  of  the  persecut- 
ed Churches  in  that  country.  At  this  time  commenced  his 
acquaintance  with  Philip  Melancthon,  which  opened  the  v,  ay 
for  an  interesting  correspondence,  and  a  friendship  terminat- 
ing only  with  the  death  of  the  latter.  Melancthon,  on  his 
acquaintance  with  Calvin,  distinguished  him  by  the  appel- 
lation of  the  Theologian.  At  this  time  also,  Gaspar  Cruel- 
ler, subsequently  Rector  of  the  xlcademy  of  "Wittemburg, 
had  an  interview  with  Calvin  on  the  nature  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  and  declared  his  approbation  of  his  opinion. 

The  Syndicks,  who  eilected  the  expulsion  of  Farel,  Calvin 
and  Coraud,  pursued  a  course  of  licentiousness,  which,  un- 
der the  influence  of  their  habits  of  moral  stupidity,  rapidly 
drew  upon  them  the  vindictive  consequences  of  their  crimes. 
This  life  is  not  indeed  a  state  of  retribution,  but  events  arc 
sometimes  indelibly  marked  by  the  hand  of  a  remunerating 
Providence.  One  of  those  Syndicks  Avas  accused  and  found 
guilty  of  sedition.  In  attempting  to  escape  from  the  offi- 
cer, he  precipitated  himself  through  ^  window  ;  and,  being 
very  corpulent,  bruised  his  body  to  such  a  degree,  that  he 
languished  a  few  days  and  died.     Another  vt  as  found  guilty 

*  Seckendorf,  vol.  2,  p.  205. 

t  See  Letters,  No.  7  to  23,  for  Calvin's  account  of  the  Diets  of  Germain-., 
and  his  recall  and  return  to  Geneva. 


2S  -LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1541 

of  murder,  and  publickly  executed.  The  other  two,  for 
their  misconduct  while  on  an  embassy  from  Geneva,  were 
forbidden  to  return,  and  condemned  to  perpetual  exile. 

The  current  of  two  years  had  materially  changed  the  face 
of  things  at  Geneva.  In  1541,  the  people,  in  a  publick  as- 
sembly, manifested  their  desire  for  the  return  of  Calvin  ;# 
and  an  embassy  was  sent  to  Strasburg  to  solicit  his  release 
from  the  French  Church  in  that  city.  He  was  then  at  the 
Diet  of  Worms ;  they  proceeded  therefore  to  that  place. 
He  however  wholly  declined  their  proposals.  Bucer  and  his 
colleagues  protested  against  his  leaving  the  Divinity  Chair, 
and  his  Church  at  Strasburg. 

At  this  time  the  Emperour,  for  political  purposes,  dissolv- 
ed the  Assembly  at  Worms,  and  ordered  a  Diet  to  be  hold- 
en  at  Ratisbon  in  March,  1541.  Melancthon,  having  become 
strongly  attached  to  Calvin,  insisted  that  he  should  relin- 
quish his  determination  of  returning  home,  and  proceed  with 
Bucer  directly  for  Ratisbon,  It  was  ultimately  agreed,  that 
Calvin  should  visit  Geneva,  examine  the  state  of  the  Churcl;, 
and  determine  what  the  cause  of  religion  required  as  to  his 
return  to  that  city.  It  Avas  proposed  to  the  Genevese  agents, 
that  they  should  request  Viret  to  leave  his  Church  at  Lau- 
sanne, and  spend  a  few  months  with  them  till  the  Diet 
should  be  closed.  The  Genevese  persevered  in  their  la- 
bours to  procure  the  return  of  Calvin,  and  eventually  suc- 
ceeded, through  the  interposition  of  Bullinger  and  the  Church 
of  Zurich,  who  addressed  the  subsequent  very  interesting 
letter  to  Calvin  on  that  occasion  : — 

"  The  Professors  and  Pastors  of  the  Church  of  Zi:Eic]ff>r 
TO  Caxvin,  their  respected  Brother  in  Christ. 

(The  first  part  of  the  letter  abridged.) 
"  We  have  always  Avritten  to  you,  dear  and  respected  bro' 
4her,  with  the  greatest  pleasure ;  but  on  no  occasion  have  we 

*  See  Ijctters,  No.  12  and  lo 


1541  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  2^ 

-addressed  you  Avith  more  exalted  satisfaction,  tiiau  the  pre- 
sent, in  which  we  magnify  our  office  as  the  friends  of  the  glo- 
ry of  God  and  the  church  of  Christ.  We  are  persuaded  that 
the  love  and  power  of  Christ  bind  you  to  us  in  the  strictest 
bonds  of  friendship,  and  we  feel  a  confidence  that  we  shall  ob- 
tain the  object  which  we  request. 

"  The  futile  result  of  the  arts  and  hypocrisy  of  Satan,  in 
procuring  your  ejection  from  the  city  and  Church  of  Geneva, 
we  need  not  detail ;  nor  the  dignified  manner  in  which  you 
were  received  at  Strasburg,  where  you  found  favour  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord.  For  your  former  enemies,  disappointed  as 
to  the  disgrace  which  they  predicted  would  follow  you  in 
your  exile,  now  come,  with  the  strongest  vows  of  sincerity, 
and  by  an  honourable  legation  bringing  the  highest  testimo- 
nies of  your  faith,  diligence  and  innocence,  to  beseech  your 
return  to  that  city,  and  to  your  former  pastoral  office  in  that 
Church.  This  change  in  the  state  of  the  Church  of  Geneva 
brings  unusual  joy  to  us  and  all  the  pious.  And  that  you 
are  recalled  to  that  Church,  we  doubt  not,  will  awaken  in 
your  soul  sentiments  of  peculiar  joy  ;  and  now  by  this  letter 
we  entreat  you,  and  we  trust  our  entreaties  will  have  some 
weight,  not  to  neglect  or  despise  this  vocation  of  God.  We 
are  not  ignorant  Avhat  obstacles  the  flesh  may  oppose,  nor 
what  difficulties  may  deter  you  from  this  undertaking.  You 
may  indeed  say — <  WhaX  !  shall  I  return  to  those  who,  base, 
inconstant  and  vain,  exiled  me  without  cause  ?'  and  ma- 
ny other  such  like  things.  But  to  these  suggestions,  whether 
true  or  false,  it  is  the  duty  of  a  soldier  of  Christ  to  stop  his 
ears,  while  he  opens  them  with  readiness  to  the  call  of  God. — 
The  causes  which  now  detain  you  at  Strasburg  are  not  such, 
as  were  you  to  leave  that  Church  would  produce  any  commo- 
tion ;  for  that  Church  is  distinguished  above  others  for  men 
©f  the  most  exalted  piety  and  learning. — But  the  Church  of 
Geneva,  at  this  time,  has  no  learned  Minister  but  Viret  alone, 


30  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1541 

on  whose  shoulders  the  whole  wciglit  of  the  pastoral  office 
now  presses  ^vith  all  its  force,  and  Yiret  must,  in  a  short  time, 
return  to  his  own  flock,  as  his  own  Church  at  Lausanne  is  in 
great  danger  Avhile  destitute  of  its  Pastor.  If  our  eternal  Pas- 
tor left  the  ninety  and  nine,  and  sought  in  its  wanderings  the 
lost  sheep,  what  shall  not  he  do,  whose  sheep  of  their  o^vn 
accord  demand  theip  Pastor,  and  pm-sue  him  retiring  from 
them  with  such  ardent  zeal  ?  Christ  willingly  offers  his 
grace  to  his  un^vorthy  and  wilful  despisers ;  and  it  becomes 
us  in  all  our  actions  to  follow  his  example.  With  what  mind, 
with  what  spirit,  or  even  conscience,  can  you  desert  and  fly 
from  those,  who  come  earnestly  to  you,  and  seek  you  alone  for 
their  Pastor  ? — It  was  by  your  labom's,  and  liy  your  ministry, 
that  the  Church  of  Geneva  was  renewed  in  Christ.  Will  you 
therefore,  can  you  disregard  and  reject  the  earnest  cries  of 
your  children  for  their  omii  parent  ?  Will  you  suffer  so  ma- 
ny Iambs  to  be  exposed  as  a  prey,  for  whom  Christ  poured 
forth  his  blood  ?  That  they  are  exposed  as  a  prey,  is  evi- 
dent, since  the  eloquent  Sadolet,  with  wonderful  address  and 
artful  intrigue,  attempted  to  l)reak  into  the  Church  of  Gene- 
va. And  encouraged  by  the  hope  of  spoil,  in  a  Church  des- 
titute of  its  pastoral  defence,  he  will,  with  more  intense  eager- 
ness, pursue  the  object,  which  he  has  ventured  to  attack. — 
We  should  never  account  that  diflicult  which  God  com- 
mands, nor  grieve  at  the  vocation  of  the  Lord  ;  for  he  who 
is  able  will  give  us  strength,  and  wisdom,  and  patience. 
His  faithfulness  will  not  fail,  in  removing  those  obstacles 
which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  flesh,  lie  in  our  path.  The 
Lord  w  as  never  ^vanting  to  those  who  called  upon  him  in 
truth.  Since  then  so  many  Churches  entreat  you  to  enter  on 
this  office,  you  should  do  it  the  more  confidently.  But  more- 
over, as  to  the  great  advantages  of  your  holding  that  station, 
we  need  not  say  much.  You  will  deliver  many  sheep  from 
thji  jaws  of  the  wolves,  and  will  bind  upon  your  head  an  un*. 


1541  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  31 

fading  crown  before  God.  You  kno-sv  that  Geneva,  being  oa 
the  confines  of  .France,  Italy  and  Germany,  affords  the 
strongest  expectations  that  the  Gospel  may  be  disseminated 
through  the  neighbouring  cities,  and  the  bounds  of  the  king- 
dom of  Christ  enlarged.  You  know  that  the  Apostle  chose 
the  chief  cities,  in  which  to  preach  the  Gospel,  that  he 
might  more  easily  cause  its  streams  to  flow  through  all  their 
borders.  You  must  be  well  aware,  how  extensively  you  may 
spread  from  that  city  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  by  your  preach- 
ing and  your  writings.  These,  dear  Calvin,  are  the  things, 
which  induce  us  to  ask  you,  to  entreat  you,  to  conjure  you, 
not  to  reject  this  vocation,  vv  hich  wc  believe  is  of  the  Lord, 
but  to  follow  it  instantly  and  without  delay.  We  doubt 
not  your  fidelity  and  good  will  to  run  with  readiness  in 
the  way  of  duty,  though  we  thus  press  you  with  some 
stimulating  motives,  that  you  may  make  the  greater  speed. 
We  hope  that  our  prayers  and  entreaties  will  avail  with 
you.  You  know  how  much  we  love  you,  how  much  we 
would  do  for  your  sake  and  at  your  request.  We  regard  and 
respect  you  on  account  of  the  eminent  gifts  with  which 
God  has  been  pleased  to  adorn  you.  But  both  yours  and 
his,  studious  for  your  reputation,  and  the  warmest  friends 
of  the  Churches  and  of  truth,  we  beseech  you,  our  bro- 
ther and  friend,  and  conjure  you  through  Christ,  neither 
to  resist  or  despise  our  request,  as  we  hope  we  are  influ- 
enced by  the  Sphit  of  God  and  the  highest  regard  for 
his  glory.  Farewell,  our  ever  revK-ed  brother,  and  pray 
to  God  for  us. 

*  ZuaicH,  April  4,  154)1." 

Bucer  and  his  colleagues  also  gave  their  opinion  in  favoui 
of  Calvin's  return  to  Geneva,  at  least  for  some  stipulated 
time.  He  however  reluctantly  yielded,  and  on  this  subject 
says,  in  the  preface  to  his  Commentary  on  the  Psalms,  "  Ai--- 


32  LIFE  OF  CALVIiV.  1541 

though  the  prosperity  of  this  Church  was  of  such  high  con- 
cern that  I  would  willingly  have  undergone  death  for  it,  yet 
my  timidity  suggested  a  great  variety  of  reasons  why  I 
should  not  afresh  subject  my  shoulders  to  a  burden  so  op- 
pressive.— At  last,  the  obligation  and  responsibility  of  my  of- 
fice determined  me  to  restore  myself  to  the  flock,  from  which 
I  had  been  so  violently  separated  ;  but  with  what  deep  sor- 
row, abundant  tears,  and  extreme  anxiety  I  did  this,  the 
best  of  beings  is  my  witness." — Calvin,  pressed  by  the  ad- 
vice of  all  his  friends,  retired  from  the  Diet  of  Ratisbon, 
and  arrived  at  Geneva  September  13,  lO'll.  He  was  receiv- 
ed Avith  the  gratulations  of  the  whole  people,  while  the  Se- 
nate made  their  publick  acknowledgment  to  God  for  so  sig- 
nal a  favour. 
"  The  Genevese  now  requested  the  Senate  of  Strasburg  to 

\"*^         cancel  the  clause  of  the  agreement  which  limited  the  conti- 
nuance of  Calvin  with  them,  to  a  specified  time.     This  was 
X*^  yielded  at  length,  on  condition  that  he  should  retain  the  ho- 

nours conferred  on  him  by  that  city,  and  his  annual  sala- 
ry. He  consented  to  retain  the  first,  but  the  pecuniary 
emolument  he  could  never  be  prevailed  on  to  accept.  Cal- 
vin had  made  it  a  condition  of  his  return,  that  Farel  should 
fee  recalled  at  the  same  time.  The  people  of  Geneva  com- 
plied on  their  part,  but  no  inducement  could  prevail  on  Fa- 
rel to  leave  Neufchatel,  to  trust  himself  again  on  the  rest- 
less waters  of  that  city.*  On  resuming  his  former  charge, 
Calvin  fixed  himself  stedfastly  on  the  direction  of  his  Lord, 
— Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  all  these  things  shall 
be  added  unto  you.  As  an  object  of  faith  and  ground  of  hope, 
this  passage  of  scripture  furnished  him  with  divine  support 
through  his  unremitting  labours  and  unparalleled  trials,  in 
promoting  the  pmrity  and  prosperity  of  the  Church. 

•  See  letters,  No.  20, 21, 22. 


^ 


loll  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  33" 

Calvin  well  understood  that  the  period  of  renewed  con- 
fidence must  be  improved  to  introduce  a  system  of  dec- 
trine  and  discipline,  which  would  be  a  standard  of  faith 
and  government.  He  explained  to  the  Senate  what  he  judg- 
ed would  be  expedient  for  their  welfare  in  the  Church. 
Agreeable  to  his  request,  the  Senate  appointed  six  of  tlieir 
body,  who,  with  Calvin,  Viret  and  the  three  colleagues,  ma- 
tured, with  cautious  deliberation,  the  articles  of  ecclesiasti- 
cal polity.  By  these  articles,  the  power  of  excommunication, 
together  with  the  subordinate  rights  of  discipline,  was  com- 
mitted to  the  Church.  It  Avas  of  course  violently  opposed  bv' 
those  persons,whose  habits  and  crimes  rendered  them  olmoxious 
to  its  coercive  authority.  Some  of  the  common  people,  and  a 
number  of  the  influential  citizens,  who  had  put  off  the  Po- 
pish forms,  and  assumed  merely  the  name  of  Christ,  by  de- 
grees went  over  to  the  opposition.  The  three  colleagues,^- 
who  still  remained  in  that  Church  since  the  exile  of  Calvin, 
Farel  and  Coraud,  although  they  had  bound  themselves  to 
abide  by  whatever  Calvin  and  Viret  should  judge  expedi- 
ent, now  began  privately  to  oppose  the  adoption  of  the  arti- 
cles. These  Pastors  were  too  much  exposed  to  discipline,  by 
their  own  irregularities,  to  be  advocates  for  the  establishment 
of  restrictive  laws.  The  opposers  covered  themselves  with 
the  pretext,  that  other  Churches  had  not  the  right  of  ex- 
communication ;  that  this  was  the  right  of  the  Senate  ;  and 
if  the  authority  was  given  into  the  hands  of  the  Church,  it 
would  terminate  in  Papistical  tyTanny.  Convinced  that  the 
articles  were  according  to  the  word  of  God,  and  that  they 
were  indispensable  for  the  government  and  purity  of  the 
Church,  Calvin  proceeded,  Avith  moderation  and  firmness,  to 
prove  from  the  scriptures,  that  the  poAver  of  excommunica- 
tion AA-as  in  the  Church ;  and  that  it  was  inconsistent  to 
lodge  with  a  civil  body  the  exclusive  right  nf  doing  an  act 

*  See  Letters,  Xo.  20. 
O 


34  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1541 

purely  ecclesiastical.  To  weaken  the  force  of  llie  objection^ 
that  other  Churches  did  not  exercise  this  power,  he  adduc- 
ed  the  testimony  of  tiie  most  learned  Reformers,  of  Zuin- 
glius,  GEcolampadius,  Melancthon,  Bucer,  Capito,  Zuichius,^ 
IMyconius,  and  others.  In  his  argument  he  passed  no  cen- 
sure  on  tliose  Churches  which  had  not  adopted  rules  for  exer- 
cising tlieir  own  rights,  and  cast  no  Wame  on  those  Pastors 
who  Judged  that  the  members  of  theu-  Churches  needed  no 
such  ecclesiastical  restraints.  He  enforced,  with  nmcli  clear- 
ness, tlie  vast  difference  between  the  unscriptural  impositions 
of  tlie  Papacy,  and  a  legitimate  Presbytery.  Calvin  suc- 
ceeded in  his  purpose.  On  the  20th  of  November,  1541, 
the  revised  law  s  of  ecclesiastical  polity  in  that  Church  were 
established  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Senate,  and  the 
consent  of  the  people. 

The  course  of  labours  on  ^^Ilich  Calvin  entered,  and  the 
daily  duties  which  he  di-xharged  as  Professor  and  Pastor, 
are  truly  astonishing,  and  such  and  so  numerous  as  no  ordi- 
nary mind  could  have  effected.  Every  ofiicial  duty  was  lo- 
cated with  the  most  exact  order.  He  preached  every  day 
of  every  other  week — on  IMonday,  Tuesday  and  Wednesday, 
he  gave  lectures  in  Theology — on  Thursday,  he  presided  in 
the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery — on  Friday,  he  expounded 
the  holy  scriptures  to  the  congregation.  In  addition  to  these 
and  other  oflicial  duties,  he  devoted  the  remnants  of  his  time 
to  study  and  writing.  Um^emitting  in  his  labom's,  he  illus- 
trated the  holy  scriptures  by  his  commentaries ;  answered, 
as  occasions  called,  the  opposers  of  religion ;  and  wrote  on 
the  most  abstruse  subjects  with  profoundness  and  caution. 
In  fine,  he  turned  his  attention  and  his  pen  to  whatever  con- 
eerned  the  order,  the  purity  and  peace  of  tlie  Church. 

The  instruction  of  youth  was,  in  the  estimation  of  Calvin, 
an  object  of  primary  interest  to  the  welfare  of  civil  society, 
and  the  cause  of  religion.    He  therefore  revised  and  enlarg- 


1542  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  35 

ed  the  Catechism,  which  he  first  publislied  in  1537.  Tliis 
judicious  and  popular  Mcrk  was  composed  after  the  order  of 
his  Institutes,  embracing  doctrines,  duties  and  the  means  of 
grace.  He  pubhshed  it  in  French  and  in  Latin.  It  was 
noticed  with  unparalleled  applause,  and  soon  translated  into 
the  German,  English,  Dutch,  Scotch,  and  Spanish  lariguag- 
es ;  into  the  Greek  by  Henry  Stephens,  and  finally  into  the 
Hebrew  by  the  learned  Christian  Je^v,  Emanu;!  Tremeiims. 
And  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster,  in  164:3,  made 
it  tlie  model  of  the  Catechism  which  is  so  justly  esteemed 
among  all  the  Presbyterian  Churches.*  X"^- 

AVhile  Calvin  was  cautiously  occupied  in  the  concerns  of 
liis  own  Chiurch,  his  labours  were  unremitted  in  administer- 
ing relief  and  consolation  to  the  brethren  who  were  driven 
from  France  and  Italy,  by  the  persecution  of  the  Papists,  v 
His  reputation  as  a  Divine  and  Professor  of  Theology,  attract-  Ov\^ 
ed  such  numbers  from  Italy,  England,  and  even  Spain,  that 
it  was  with  difiiculty  that  they  were  furnished  w  ith  lodgings 
in  Geneva.  He  was  ever  anxiously  mindful  of  tho:e  in  Frauce, 
who  Avere  suffering  imprisonment,  chains  and  death,  and 
when  he  could  afford  them  no  other  means  of  relief,  he  ad- 
dressed to  them  letters  of  encouragement  and  comfort. 

This  year  a  scarcity  of  provisions,  and  its  usual  compa- 
nion, the  plague,  prevailed  in  Geneva.  The  police  of  the  ci- 
ty, as  their  custom  had  been,  established  an  infirmary  v.ith- 
out  the  walls,  for  the  reception  of  the  infected.  The  sedu- 
lous attention  of  a  comforter^  was  required  to  give  instruc- 
tion to  the  sick,  and  consolation  to  the  dying.  In  conse-  j 
quence  of  the  dread  of  the  contagion,  three  persons  only  of- 
fered their  service  to  fill  this  dangerous  post,  Calvin,  Casta- 
lio  and  Blanchet.  Tlie  lot  being  cast,  fell  upon  Castalio, 
who  unfairly  declined  this  oitice  of  humanity.  The  Senate 
being  unwilling  to  hazard  the  life  of  Calvin,  Blanchet  ge- 

*  Opusciila,  p.  12,  t  See  Notes  and  Biog.  No.  11. 


A 


3G  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  154i2 

nerously  assumed  the  perilous  and  honourable  charge  upon 
himself. 

Peter  Tossanus,  Pastor  of  IMontbeillard,  was  engaged  at 
this  time  in  a  controversy  concerning  the  ceremonies  of  that 
Church.  At  the  request  of  the  bretlu'en,  he  ^v•rote  to  Cal- 
vui,  for  his  opinion  on  the  various  points  of  controversy.* 
]\Iyconius,  Pastor  of  Basil,  experienced  a  severe  opposition  in 
his  attempt  to  introduce  the  rules  and  discipline  of  the  Con- 
sistory into  that  city.  The  opposers  contended  that  the 
power  of  excommunication  belonged  to  the  Senate,  and  ad- 
duced the  example  of  IMoses  and  David,  as  holding  civil 
offices,  and  at  the  same  time  controling  ecclesiastical  mat- 
ters. Myconius,  perplexed  with  these  arguments,  wrote  to 
Calvin  for  his  opinion.  Calvin  concisely  refuted  the  objec- 
tions, and  vindicated  the  right  of  the  Church  to  the  exclu- 
sive authority  of  excommunicating  its  members,  when  incor- 
rigible under  subordinate  discipline.f 

The  progress  of  the  Reformation  in  France  was  counte- 
nanced, amidst  the  severest  dangers,  by  many  distinguished 
personages.  The  number  of  the  reformed  Churches  m- 
creased  beyond  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  their  ad- 
vocates. The  jealousy  and  rage  of  the  Doctors  of  the  Sor- 
l)onne  Avere  excited,  and  they  determined  to  enforce  against 
them  the  severest  persecutions  of  imprisonment,  banishment 
and  fire.  In  pursuance  of  this  object,  those  Inquisitors, 
headed  by  Peter  Li&set,  framed  the  chief  points  of  their 
faith  and  worship  into  twenty-five  articles,  as  a  standard 
for  the  trial  and  punishment  of  every  person  who  refused  to 
subscribe  them.  They  were  presented  to  Francis  I.,  who 
approved  them  ]\Iarch  10,  1542.  Being  afterwards  sanction- 
ed by  the  Pope,  Paul  III.,  they  were  published  by  a  royal 
decree,  enjoining  all  Doctors,  Bachelors  and  Teachers  to  sub- 
scribe them,  and  not  to  teach  any  thing  contrary  to  them  on 

*  See  Letters,  No.  25.  t  See  Letters,  No.  27. 


1543  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  37 

the  penalty  of  being  treated  as  hereticks.  Some  of  the  re- 
formed Teachers,  through  weakness  or  fear,  a\  ere  induced 
to  subscribe  those  Popish  articles.  This  inflicted  a  deep 
Avound  on  the  cause  of  the  pure  doctrines.  The  attention 
of  Calvin  was  called  to  this  artful  measure  of  the  inquisito- 
rial Pai'liament  of  Paris,  and  in  answering  their  confession  of 
faith,  he  applied  to  each  article  such  solid  reasonhig,  and 
sometimes  such  satirical  pleasantry,  as  furnished  against  its 
errors  a  powerful  Antidote.^ 

The  writings  of  Calvin,  and  the  reputation  he  had  esta- 
blished at  the  Diets  in  Germany,  excited  towards  him  the 
jealous  attention  of  the  Papists.  The  purity  of  his  Latin, 
the  force  of  his  reasoning,  and  his  facility  at  composition, 
with  his  extensive  learning,  all  which  he  had  forcibly  exem- 
plified in  his  pul)lications,  secured  to  him  fi'ora  his  enemies  a 
high  degi'ce  of  consideration.  The  servitude  and  freedom  of 
the  jvilli  as  maintained  by  Luther,  IMelancthon,  Bucer  and 
Calvin,  was  a  material  point  in  the  great  question,  so  mucli 
agitated  about  good  works  and  the  doctrine  of  justification 
by  faith.  The  Papists  were  solicitous  that  some  great  eifort 
should  be  made,  to  defend  their  side  of  the  question,  Avhich 
had  been  laid  naked  by  the  writings  of  tliose  Reformers. 
Albert  Pighius,f  subtle,  learned  and  ambitious,  offered  him- 
self as  the  champion  of  theh'  cause.  It  was  first  proposed  at 
the  Diet  of  Worms,  that  he  should  enter  the  li?ts  against  all 
those  Reformers ;  but,  upon  further  consideration,  he  select- 
ed Calvin  as  his  antagonist,  considering  that  a  victory  over 
him  would  be  the  defeat  of  them  all.  Pighius  began  the 
combat  with  high  expectations  of  securing  the  Pope's  favour, 
and  a  Cardinal's  Hat  ;J  but  he  met  in  the  issue  with  a  dou- 

*  This  is  the  titie  of  Calvin's  answer.    See  Opuscula,  p.  190. 

t  See  Notes,  No.  12. 

i  Pope  Innocent  IV.,  about  the  year  1250,  decreed  that  a  Bed  Hat  should 
be  the  symbol  of  the  Cardinal's  office.  This  co^izance  was  so  singulai', 
that  it  was  soon  used  for  the  office  itself. 


3S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1543 

ble  mortification.  The  Papists  cliarged  liiin  with  maintain- 
ing errors  on  some  points  against  their  faith,  and  with  adopt- 
ing on  others  the  opinions*  of  that  Reformer  -v\  horn  he  had 
undertaken  to  refute.  Calvin,  in  reply  concertiing-  the  servi- 
tude and  freedom  of  the  nill,  proved  that  Pighius  had  copied 
whole  pages  from  his  Institutes^  without  the  least  notice  to 
his  readers  of  the  somxe  from  which  he  had  taken  tliose  spoils. 
Tims  this  ambitious  and  self-confident  man  incurred,  at  the 
same  time,  the  displeasure  of  the  Papists,  and  the  just  cen- 
sure of  the  learned.  Calvin  dedicated  his  work  concerning' 
the  freedom  of  the  nill,  to  his  friend  Philip  ]\IelanctIion,f 
February,  1543. 

About  this  time  originated  the  diiference  between  Sebastian 
Castalio  and  Calvin.     Castalio  was  learned  in  the  languages, 
and  had  been  patronized  by  Calvin,  first  at  Strasburg,  and  on 
his  return  to  Geneva  he  introduced  him  as  the  Instructor  of 
the   Grammar   School  in  that   city.     Castalio  published  a 
translation    of    the  scriptures  in  the  French   language,  in 
which  appeared  much  aiiectation  of  style  and  vulgar  obscu- 
rit}',  together  with  some  impure  expressions.     Calvm,  in  a 
private  conversation,  pointed  out  to  him,  with  all  fiankness, 
those  things  which  appeared  to  be  reprehensible.     Castalio 
was  uritated  at  the  free  remarks  of  Calvin ;   and  instead  of 
correcting  the  faults  of  his  translation,  avowed  more  openly 
opinions,  whicli  he  had  before  concealed,  and  %vhich  were  of- 
fensive to  Calvin,  especially  as  he  deeply  wounded  the  au' 
thority  of  the  scriptures,  l)y  rejecting  the  Song  of  Solomon  as 
uninspired  and  obscure.     Calvin  was  jealous  of  the  authority 
and  purity  of  the  scriptures,  and  a  stranger  to  all  compro- 
mises with  those  Avho  persevered  in   maintaining  opinions 
A^hich  he  viewed  as  false  and  heretical.    Castalio  persisted  in 
justifying  his  rejection  of  a  portion  of  the  divine  volume, 

*  Sec  Baylc,  Art.  Pighius. 

t  Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  117. Se€  Letters,  No.  28. 


1544  LIFE  OF  CALVlN.  ^ 

which  rests,  like  every  other  part,  not  on  the  reasoning  or  fan- 
cy of  man,  but  on  the  testimony  of  God.  He  was  summoned 
before  the  Senate,  by  the  voice  of  the  people,  and,  after  be- 
ing fully  heard  in  his  defence,  was  sentenced  as  a  calumnia- 
tor of  the  scriptures,  and  ordered  to  leave  the  city. 

In  November,  1544,  Calvin  ;vrote  an  interesting  letter  to 
the  Pastors  of  Neufchatel  on  the  subject  of  discipline.*:  The 
®rder  which  should  be  pursued,  and  the  disposition  v/hich  is 
to  be  exercised  in  conducting  censures  among  Ministers,  are 
judiciously  illustrated.  As  he  proceeds,  he  lays  down  this 
proposition — The  scriptures  express  the  substance  of  eccle si' 
astical  discipline  in  plain  words  ;  but  the  jorm  of  that  disci- 
pline, since  it  is  not  prescribed  bij  the  Lord,  ought  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  Ministers  for  edification.  The  observation  of  the 
principle  involved  in  this  proposition,  concerning  the  exterior 
order  and  government  of  the  Church,  would  have  saved  her 
members  from  much  injurious  controversy.  HoAvever  diifer- 
ing  about  the  colour  of  the  vesture  of  Jesus,  the  Churches 
which  were  united  in  the  essential  doctrines,  the  apostacy, 
the  atonement  and  Godhead  of  the  Redeemer,  the  Divinity 
and  office  of  the  Spirit,  might  on  that  principle  have  given 
each  other  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  walked  together 
in  peaceful  and  affectionate  attachment  to  the  transcendant 
cause  of  him  who  purchased  the  Church  ^dth  his  own  blood. 

During  this  year,  the  Emperour  of  Germany  was  providen- 
tially compelled  to  grant  indulgence  and  aid  to  that  cause,, 
which  he  designed  ultimately  to  destroy.  Pressed  with  the 
burdensome  expenses  of  his  war  with  France,  and  by  the  suc- 
cess of  the  Turks  in  Hungary,  he  called  a  Diet  at  Spires  ;  and 
to  secure  the  assistance  of  the  protestant  Princes,  he  ordered, 
among  other  privileges,  which  he  granted  them,  that  no 
person  should  be  molested  from  that  time  on  accovnt  of  his  re- 

*  See  Letters,  No.  29. 


40  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1544 

ligious  principles,  till  a  general  Council  should  be  called.-'^ 
With  this  decree  the  Pope  was  of  course  displeased.  In  the 
heat  of  his  resentment,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  Charles,  re- 
proaching-  him  in  severe  terms,  with  assuming  the  rights  of 
the  Pontiff,  and  betraying  the  cause  of  the  Church ;  and 
threatened  to  exert  against  him  the  power  of  his  official  ven- 
geance. The  Emperour,  pressed  with  difficulties  on  every 
hand,  gave  Paul  an  evasive  aiid  courtly  answer.  In  the 
perusal  of  those  letters,  Calvin  observed  the  temporizing  of 
Charles,  and  the  arrogance  of  the  Pope,  who  had,  in  his 
opinion,  violated  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  and  reproached  the 
innocence  of  the  Reformers.  He  addressed  an  answer  to 
Paul,  with  the  firmness  which  would  have  become  the  Em- 
perour, and  well  adapted  to  shame  his  audacity,  and  expose 
the  emptiness  of  his  threats. f 

While  the  Diet  at  Spires  was  in  session,  which  terminated 
so  favourably  to  the  cause  of  the  Protestants,  Calvin,  with 
his  usual  vigilance,  seized  the  opportunity  of  publishing,  with 
greater  effect,  his  work,  entitled  The  necessity  of  reforming 
the  Church.X  In  this  treatise,  he  attacked  the  vices  of  the 
clergy,  and  exposed  the  corruptions  of  the  Papacy  ;  he  also 
defined,  in  a  luminous  manner,  the  true  Church  of  Christ, 
and  defended  the  cause  of  the  Reformation,  with  an  energy 
of  argument,  unparalleled  in  the  Avritings  of  that  distinguish- 
ed age.  To  extend  its  circulation,  and  increase  its  influ- 
ence, he  expressly  addressed  it  to  the  Emperour,  Princes  and 
Orders  assembled  in  Convention  at  Spires. 

The  Anabaptists  and  Libertines  took  their  rise  about  the 
same  time,  1525,  and  from  the  same  point  of  depression  and 
ignorance.     They  pursued  substantially  the  same  delusive 

'  Bower's  Hist,  of  the  Popes,  vol.  7,  Oct.  p.  630.— — Kobert.  Charles  V. 
f  See  Pope  Paul  III.'s  Letter  and  Calvin's  answer  in  Opusculis  Calvini, 
p.  178,  et  182. 
^  Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  37. 


I544i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  43. 

objects,  perfectibility  of  soul,  and  a  spirituality  of  devotion, 
which  elevated  them  above  religious  order  and  civil  re- 
straints. Casting  behind  them  the  revealed  scriptures,  the 
Anabaptists,  by  their  personal  visions  and  inspirations,  and  the 
Libertines,  by  abstract  reasonings  and  a  union  of  soul  with 
God  by  secluded  contemplations,  alike  laid  claim  to  sinless 
perfection.  The  former  assumed  as  their  g-uide  the  impulses 
and  illapses  of  the  Spirit,  while  in  fact  they  were  under  the 
dominant  influence  of  their  own  enthusiastick  passions.  The 
latter  alleged,  that  God  was  the  immediate  author  of  all 
human  actions,  the  efficient  cause  of  evil  as  well  as  good,  and 
that  man  was  not  accountable  for  his  conduct.  The  Papists 
charged  these  monstrous  errours  over  to  the  Reformers,  who 
had  sent  abroad  the  scriptm-es  among  the  vulgar,  and  brok- 
en the  chains  of  ignorance,  which  they  had  kindly  imposed 
upon  the  human  intellect.  Infidels  alleged  that  all  the  mis- 
chief and  errours  of  each  religious  denomination  originated 
alike  from  the  religion  of  the  Bible.  The  humble  believer, 
however,  undismayed  by  those  charges  and  allegations,  esti- 
mates the  depravity  of  human  nature,  as  a  root  sufficiently 
X'igourous,  to  yield  all  the  enthusiasm,  superstition,  infideli- 
ty and  misery  which  are  produced  among  men.  To  check 
the  growth  of  those  errours,  and  to  vindicate  the  cause  of 
Christ  and  the  Reformation  from  reproach,  Calvin  published, 
June  1,  1544,  his  instructions  against  the  errours  and  fanati- 
cism of  the  Anabaptists  and  Libertines.^  In  his  arguments 
against  the  latter,  he  points  out,  Avith  great  clearness,  the  na- 
ture of  the  divine  sovereignty,  its  absolute  exercise  over  man, 
a  fallen,  depraved,  but  still  a  moral  and  accountable  being. 
He  exposes,  with  a  strong  hand,  the  absolute  falsity  of  the 
libertine  position,  that  God,  as  the  cause  of  all  things,  is  the 
''indent  cause  of  evil,  or  author  of  sin. — He  rejects  these  as* 

*  Opuscula  p.  356  et  374, 
6 


^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  UU 

sertions  as  blaGpiienious,  \yliile  he  maintains  the  scriptural 
doctrine  of  the  absolute  sovereignty  of  God.  Calvin  discri- 
minated clearly  the  limits  whicli  bounded  the  human  intel- 
lect on  that  subject,  and  wisely  stopped  short  of  that  duplex 
lahyrintkvsy  do-ublc  labyrinth,  as  he  calls  it,*  which  lies  beyond 
the  light  of  revelation.  Neither  Augustine,  Calvinf  nor  Ed- 
wards,.]; who  thought  and  wrote  much  concerning  the  sove- 
reignty of  God,  V.  ill  probably  ever  be  surpassed  in  intellect, 
in  acquisitions  or  distinct  apprehensions  in  the  science  of  mo- 
rals, or  the  doctrines  of  religion.  They  neither  ventured 
themselves,  nor  have  they  given  license  to  others,  but  have 
left  man}'  warning  comisels  to  prevent  even  their  attempts  to 
intrude  into  the  secret  tilings  which  belong  to  God.^ 

*  In  argtimento  Genesis.     Vol.  1.    ejus  opernm. 

■\  Passages  mij^hl  be  multiplied,  from  the  writings  of  Calvin,  to  show 
that  he  totally  rejected  the  imjb/ozw  dogrmi — That  God  is  the  autlior,  or  the 
efficient  cause  of  sin — a  single  passage,  in  which  he  quotes  Augustine,  may 
here  be  appropriate — Men  are  the  work  of  God,  says  Augustine,  as.  they  aro 
men ;  but  tliey  are  in  subjection  to  the  Devil,  as  they  are  sinners,  until  they  ar^ 
delivered  from  that  state  by  Christ. — "Therefore,"  adds  Calvin,  "  the  ^oorf 
are  of  God ;  the  ivieked,  a  eeipsis,  from  themselves."     Opuscula  Calvini 

pag.  126 see  also  in  his  tracts,  in  p.  62" — 629 — "  Nego  Deum  ese  mali 

authorem."  Cal.  in  Acts  ii.  23.  "  Neque  tamen  malorum  autlior  sit  Deus." 
Cal.  Lib.  de  praedestinat.     et  passim. 

^  President  Edwards  says — I  utterly  detiy  God  to  be  the  author  of  sin ;  re- 
jeetinj  such  an  imputation  on  the  JMost  High,  as  -what  is  infinitely  to  be  abhoV' 
red ;  and  deny  any  such  thing  to  be  the  consequence  of-xliat  I  have  laid  down. — 
Freedom  of  tlie  will.  Part  IV.  Sec.  IX.  II. 

$  It  may  be  modestly  suggested,  whether  some  have  not  reproached  the 
writings  of  Augustine,  Calvin  and  Edwards,  who  still  never  read  them,  the 
sum  total  of  whose  knowledge  of  the  works  of  these  great  men  is  picked  up 
from  mutilated  scraps,  selected  for  the  sole  purpose  of  prejudicing  the 
minds  of  common  readers  against  them  ;  and  whether  others  professedly, 
and  doubUess  in  some  instances,  real  friends  to  religion,  have  not  been 
prompted,  by  a  desire  for  distinction,  to  make  the  world  believe,  that  they 
could  see  farther  and  clearer  on  tliose  speculative  points,  than  Calvin  ;  and 
are  tlms  plunging,  with  metaphysical  enthusiasm,  into  the  darkness  of  that 
double  labryn'nth  which  will  bewilder  many  unweary  minds  into  sceptieisiB 
aad  infidelitv. 


1545  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^^ 

The  instructions  of  Calvin  against  tlie  errours  and  fanati- 
cism of  the  Libertines  gave  offence  to  Quint  in  and  Poquet, 
the  two  principal  leaders  of  that  sect.  These  two  men  had 
imposed  upon  the  Q,ueen  of  Navarre  so  far  as  to  induce  her 
to  believe,  that  they  were  honest  and  religious  in  their  prin- 
ciples and  purposes,  and  that  they  were  misrepresented  and 
injured  by  Calvin  in  that  work.  A  letter  was  written,  hj 
the  direction  of  Margaret,  complaining  to  Calvin  of  his  seve- 
rity towards  those  men  whom  she  had  patronized  as  the 
friends  of  the  pure  doctrines.  In  his  answer,  Calvin  address- 
ed her  with  an  affectionate  respect  for  her  piety  and  digni- 
ty, and  with  a  frankness  and  fi-eedom  becoming  a  ]\Iinistcr  of 
Christ.  He  opened  the  dangerous  nature  and  tendency  of 
their  opinions  to  the  cause  of  religion,  obviated  some  re- 
proaches which  they  had  uttered  against  him,  and  entreat- 
ed her  to  withdraw  her  patronage  from  such  av  icked  and  de- 
ceitful men.  The  letter  of  Calvin  effectually  obstructed 
their  influence  in  the  court  of  Navarre,  and  prevented  their 
further  inroads  upon  the  Cliurches  of  France.# 

During  the  ravages  of  the  pestilence  in  Geneva  and  its 
environs,  in  the  beginning  of  1545,  occurred  a  singular  in- 
stance of  human  depravity.  That  grade  of  inhabitants  who 
had  become  so  poor  by  their  vices,  as  to  seek  a  daily  subsist- 
ence in  attending  the  sick  and  cleansing  their  chambers,  form- 
ed an  alliance  for  the  horrid  purpose  of  secretly  spreading  the 
infection.  They  rubbed  the  pestiferous  matter  upon  the  posts 
and  doors  of  houses,  and  other  frequented  places.  The 
activity  of  the  plague,  and  the  malignity  of  its  ravages,  were 
awfully  increased,  and  the  whole  city  was  thrown  into  con- 
sternation. To  prevent  detection,  and  secure  themselves 
frotn  justice,  those  monsters,  by  a  horrid  oath,  devoted 
themselves  to  the  devil,  if  they  should,  under  any  tortures 

*  See  Letters,  No.  SO. 


44  LIFE  OF  C.\LVIN,  1545 

that  might  be  inflicted,  discover  the  names  of  any  of  their 
associates.  The  ligaments  of  such  an  oath,  upon  minds  so 
corrupt  as  to  take  it,  could  have  no  influence.  The  inspired 
sentence,  Be  sure  your  si7i  nill  find  -jou  out,  was  ultimately 
verified  in  these  men,  most  of  whom  were  apprehended  and 
sentenced  to  merited  punishment. 

The  numerous  deaths  by  the  plague,  the  changes  of  pos- 
sessions and  descent  of  estates,  ^\\i\l  the  contested  rights  of 
citizenship,  introduced  much  disorder  among  the  inhabit- 
ants. Some  indulged  in  the  most  aggravated  vices,  and  oth- 
ers committed  the  most  licentious  crimes.  In  addition  to 
all  these  evil?,  tlie  demagogues  of  party  seized  upon  the 
goods  of  the  Popish  Bishoprick.  Against  this  spirit  of  sa- 
crilegious pimider,  the  vhtuous  citizens  united  their  exer- 
tions ;  and  Calvin,  from  the  pulpit,  boldly  testified  both 
against  their  le\^■dness  and  rapacity,  declaring  that  they 
would  draw  upon  themselves  the  vindictive  judgments  of 
God ;  warning  them,  that  the  original  extortions  of  the 
Papists,  in  accumulating  this  property,  would  be  no  justi- 
fication for  their  seizing  by  violence,  that  to  which  they 
had  neither  a  providential  nor  legal  claim. 

The  ^^'aldenses,  inhabiting  the  retired  vallies  of  Pied- 
mont, had  long  struggled  for  their  religious  rights,  under 
the  severe  pressure  of  Popish  intolerance.  Having  obtain- 
ed a  copy  of  Oxivetak's  translation  of  the  scriptures,  they 
committed  the  whole  Bible  to  the  press  in  the  Waldensi- 
an  tongue.  Strong  in  the  faith  of  the  Gospel,  they  pub- 
lickly  held  their  religious  assemblies,  and  submitted  to 
sufl'erings  and  privations  amidst  the  cruelties  of  almost  un- 
ceasing persecution.  In  1536,  an  exterminating  edict  was 
published  against  the  numerous  Waldenses  who  inhabited 
the  towns  of  Cambriers  and  Merindol.  The  operation  of 
this  decree  "William*  du  Bellai,  Governour  of  Piedmont, 
had  suspended  for  several  years.     The  enemies  of  this  in- 


1545  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  45 

nocent  people  opposed  this  forbearance,  and  accused  them 
to  the  King  of  many  heresies.  To  comiteract  these  accu- 
sations, they  presented  to  Francis,  in  1544,  the  confession 
of  their  faith.  This  had  been  formed  after  the  model  of  the 
Genevese  Church,  a  circumstance  by  no  means  in  their  fa- 
vour with  Turnon  and  the  influential  Papists  at 
court.  The  adoption  of  more  vigourous  measures  \vas  urg- 
ed by  Minerius  Oppedeus,  the  new  President  of  Provence ; 
and  he  obtained,  through  the  influence  of  Cardinal  Turnon, 
an  order  from  the  King  to  carry  into  effect  the  edict  ^\hich 
the  moderation  of  Bellai  had  suspended.  Oppedeus,  in  the 
absence  of  the  Governour,  Count  de  Grignan,  raised  a  body 
of  troops  which  were  joined  by  others  from  Avignon,  and 
marched  against  these  industrious  and  pious  people.  He 
lacked  and  burnt  their  towns ;  and  killed,  tortured  and  com- 
mitted the  inhabitants  to  the  flames  without  respecting  ei- 
ther age  or  sex.  He  inhumanly  destroyed  all,  wlio  did  not 
escape  beyond  discovery  to  the  caves  of  the  mountains,  or  flee 
beyond  his  reach  within  the  hospitable  walls  of  Geneva,  and 
the  reformed  cities  of  Switzerland.* 

Having  aided  them,  by  his  counsels  and  letters,  in  estab- 
lishing their  faith,  Calvin  was  greatly  afflicted  at  their  ca- 
lamities. He  had,  for  several  years,  applied  himself  to  the 
German  Princes,  to  procure  their  influence  with  Francis  for 
the  humane  purpose  of  securing  these  persecuted  people  in 
the  peaceful  enjoyment  of  those  religious  rights  v\  hich  they 
accounted  dearer  than  life.  These  expectations  were  blasted 
at  a  stroke,  by  this  exterminating  persecution.  He  still,  how- 
ever, found  a  place  for  the  exercise  of  his  parental  care,  by 
extending  to  these  sorrowful  fugitives  assistance  and  conso- 
lation. 

»  Dupin.  Ecrl.  TIret.  16,  Book  2,  p.  184. 


40  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1545 

Andrew  Osiander,  an  early  disciple  of  Luther,  published 
a  work  against  the  Zuinglians  upon  the  Eucharist.  =*     He  call* 
ed  up  not  only  all  the  old  peculiarities  on  that  subject,  but 
sharpened  afresh  all  that  bitterness  of  invective  which  Lu- 
ther himself  had  too  much  indulged.     Osiander  m  as  one  of 
those  persons  who  only  feel  tJiemselves  to  be  of  importance  in 
a  storm.     The  followers  of  ZuingJius,  and  the  adherents  of 
Luther,  had  permitted,  for  a  time,  those  points  of  debate, 
which  they  had  so  long  and  severely  agitated,  about  th<'  re- 
al presence  in  the  elements  of  the  supper,  to  be  much  at  rest. 
IMelancthon,  Bucer  and  Calvin  were  studious  to  cover  the 
Coals   if  they  could  not  entirely  quench  them.     But  thi& 
haughty  and  vehement  man  kindled  up  afresh,  from  those 
sleeping  ashes,  the  consuming  lire  of  controversy.     Calvia 
was  deeply  afflicted  at  the  revival  of  those  pernicious  dis- 
putes among  Churches,  wliose  differences  were  almost  wholly 
confined  to  that  single  point.     In  his  letter  to  Melancthon, 
he  laments  the  imprudence  and  bitterness  of  Osiander  ;  and 
especially  his  abusive  treatment  of  Zuinglius,  the  first  Re- 
former of  the  Swiss  Churches,  and  of  the  amiable  CEcoiam- 
padius.     But   he  was  far   more   deeply   distressed   at   the 
wounds  inflicted  on  the  cause  of  the  Saviour. — Let  us  mourn, 
he  says, /or  it  becomes  us  to  be  ajlicted  with  the  troubles  of 
the  Church  ;  but  let  us  still  sustain  ourselves  with  this  hope, 
that  although  we  arc  oppressed  and  tossed  by  these  mighty  wa- 
ters, we  shall  not  be  overwhelmcdA 

Luther  himself  was  deeply  engaged  in  this  controversy. 
About  1543,  Gualter  of  Zurich  published  the  works  of  Zuin- 
glius with  an  apology  for  his  doctrine,  which  gave  oiieiice  to 
the  German  Reformer.  The  same  year,  the  translation  of  the 
scriptures  into  the  German  language,  commenced  by  Leo  Ju- 
dah,  was  finished  and  published  by  Bullinger  and  the  other 

*  Mosheim,  Cent.  16,  p.  45,  47,  Note. 
f  See  Letters,  No,  31  and  35. 


loio  LIFE  OF  CALVIX.  iJ 

Pastors  of  Zurich.  The  bookseller  sent  a  copy  of  this  Bible 
to  Luther,  who  was  highly  o^'ended,  apprehending  that  it 
would  be  a  means  of  supporting  the  opinion  of  Zuinglius 
concerning  the  nature  of  the  Lord's  supper.  He  wrote  a  let- 
kr  to  the  bookseller,  which  should  not  have  contained  expres- 
sions so  unworthy  of  that  great  man.  In  15  ii,  Luther  alsa 
published  a  short  confession  concerning  the  LorcVs  supper  ;  # 
in  the  introduction  to  which  he  used  a  wantonness  of  lan- 
guage, and  a  roughness  of  reproach,  with  such  anathemas, 
against  Bullinger  and  the  other  Pastors  of  Zurich,  as  admit 
neither  of  translation  nor  even  apology;  except  it  may  be 
said,  such  was  the  temperament  of  the  man,  and  such  his 
blind  attachment  to  his  favourite  dogma,  that  the  real  body 
mnd  blood  of  Christ  were  in,  with,  or  under  the  consecrated  bread 
and  wine  at  the  Lord's  supper.  It  was  to  this  last  work  of 
Luther  that  Calvin  alludes,  in  the  subsequent  extract  of  his 
fetter  to  Bullinger,  dated  Geneva,  Nov.  2o,  1544. 

"  Calvin  to  Bullihger  wishes  health. 


"I  hear  that  Luther  has 

at  length  burst  forth,  with  atrocious  invectives,  not  only 
akgainst  you  but  against  us  all.  Now  I  scarcely  dare  beg  of 
you  and  your  colleagues,  to  be  silent,  because  it  is  not  just 
that  the  innocent  should  Ije  thus  abused,  and  not  be  allowed 
to  defend  themselves ;  and  besides  it  is  difficult  to  determine, 
whether  it  is  expedient.  I  wish  you  to  recal  these  tilings  t^ 
yx)ur  mind :  How  great  a  man  Luther  is,  and  with  hoir 
great  gifts  he  excels ;  also  with  what  fortitude  and  constancy 
of  mind,  with  what  efficacy  of  learning,  he  hath  hitherto  la- 
boured and  watched  to  destroy  the  kingdom  of  Antichrist, 
and  to  propagate,  at  the  same  time,  the  doctrine  of  salvation. 

•  Seckendorf,  Vol.  2,  p.  420,  a^id  list  of  Luther's  writings  in  index  !It 
Dupin.Cent.  16,  b.  11.  p.  177- 


48  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1545 

I  often  sat/,  if  he  should  call  me  a  devil,  I  hold  him  in  such  ho- 
nour, that  I  would  acknowledge  him  an  eminent  servant  of  God. -^ 
— But  as  he  is  endowed  with  great  virtues,  so  he  labours  un- 
der great  failings.  I  wish  he  had  studied  more  effectually 
to  restrain  his  impetuosity  of  temper,  which  breaks  forth  in 
every  direction  ;  that  he  had  always  turned  this  vehemence, 
which  is  so  natural  to  him,  against  the  enemies  of  the  truth, 
and  not  equally  brandished  it  against  the  servants  of  God  ; 
and  that  he  had  given  more  diligent  labom',  to  search  out 
his  own  faults.  He  has  been  surrounded  by  too  many  flat- 
terers, seeing  he  is  also  too  much  inclined  l)y  nature  to  in- 
dulge himself.  It  is  om'  duty  to  reprehend  what  is  evil  in 
him,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  yield  very  much  to  his  excellent 
qualities.  Consider,  I  beseech  you,  with  your  colleagues,  in 
the  first  place,  that  you  have  to  deal  with  a  chief  servant  of 
Christ,  to  whom  we  are  all  much  indebted-  And  then,  that 
by  contending,  you  will  effect  nothing,  but  a  pleasure  to  the 
impious,  who  will  triumph,  not  so  much  over  us  as  over  the 
Gospel.  For  reviling  one  another,  they  Avill  give  us  more 
than  full  credit.  But  when  we  preach  Christ  with  one  con- 
sent, and  one  mouth,  they  pervert  this  union,  to  diminish  our 
faith,  by  which  they  disclose,  more  than  they  would,  the  im- 
portance of  our  united  labom*s.  I  wish  you  to  examine  and 
reflect  upon  these  things,  rather  than  dwell  on  what  Luther 
has  merited  by  his  intemperate  language.  Lest  that  befall 
us,  therefore,  which  Paul  denounces,  that  by  biting  and  de- 
vouring one  another  we  should  be  consumed,  however  he 
may  have  provoked  us,  we  must  rather  abstain  from  the  conr 
test,  than  increase  the  wound,  to  the  common  injury  of  the 
Church." 

*  Luther,  in  his  asperity  against  the  Zulnglians,  Bullinger  and  others, 
had  used  harsh  language  ;  and  Calvin,  who  was  anxious  to  prevent  the  con- 
iroversy,  states  his  own  feelings,  supposing  Luther  should  call  him  a  devilf 
&c.  to  al'.nv  th(^  resentment  of  EulUnsrer  and  the  other  Parstors  of  Zurich. 


lo4i5  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  49 

The  persecutions  in  France,  at  this  time,  induced  some  per- 
sons who  adhered  to  the  Reformers  in  private,  to  conform  to 
the  externals  of  Popery,  in  order  to  shield  themselves  from 
chains  and  death.  Calvin  disapproved  of  their  conduct,  and 
published  a  tract*  exposing  such  a  conformity  to  the  Pa- 
pists as  inconsistent  with  their  duties  to  their  families  and 
the  cause  and  conunands  of  Christ.  These  persons,  who 
■were  for  compromising  their  religion  for  the  favour  of  the 
world,  complained  of  the  principles  which  Calvin  had  es- 
tablished, as  the  rules  of  duty  for  the  professed  followers  of 
Christ,  as  too  rigid  and  severe.  They  appealed  to  the  ad- 
vice of  Luther  and  JNIelancthon,  expecting  more  favourable 
terms,  Calvin,  at  their  request,  addressed  a  letter  to  Luther, 
and  another  to  Melancthon,|  accompanied  by  his  treatise^  and 
a  subsequent  defenceX  of  it.  In  this  defence  he  gave  them 
the  appellation  of  Pseudo-Nicodemitesj  as  they  had  justified 
their  covert  acknowledgment  of  Christ,  by  the  example 
of  Nicodemus,  in  visiting  Jesus  by  night.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear that  Luther  answered  the  letter  of  Calvin.  But  Me- 
lancthon  gave  his  opinion  in  full  and  decisive  language. 
In  allusion  to  the  feelings  of  Calvin  about  the  controversy  of 
Osiander,  expressed  in  the  sentence  quoted  above,  Melanc- 
thon  concludes  his  letter  in  these  words, — April  ITth,  the  day 
on  which  Noahy  3846  j/ears  ago,  entered  the  ark,  by  nhich 
example,  God  testifies  that  he  nill  not  forsake  his  Church, 
when  tossed  on  the  mighty  waters,^  Those  two  tracts  of  Cal- 
vin, with  the  letter  of  JNIelancthon,  and  those  of  Bucer  and 
Peter  MartyrTf  annexed,  were  published  in  1546.  Three 
years  after,  Bullinger,  and  the  other  Pastors  of  Zurich,  ad- 
dressed a  letter  to  Calvin,  approbating  the  doctrine  w  hich  he 

*  See  Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  434.    De  xdtandis  SuperslitioTiiius. 
t  See  Lelters,  No.  31.  *  Opuscula  Cal.  p.  444. 

§  Opus.  Cal.  p.  457.  H  See  Notes  No.  13. 

7 


50  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1546 

had  supported,  That  it  was  unlaivful  for  any  Christian  to 
appear  to  assent  to  those  false  doctrines  and  that  supersti- 
tion which  in  his  heart  he  condemns, 

A  young  man,  by  the  name  of  Troitett,  having  coun- 
terfeited the  hermit  in  France,  retm-ned  to  Geneva  about 
this  time,  with  an  assumed  appearance  of  piety.  Calvin, 
remarkable  for  his  penetration  in  distinguishing  the  dispo- 
sitions of  persons^  and  their  real  from  their  avowed  opi- 
nionSj  soon  discovered  the  hypocrisy  of  Troilett,  and  gav& 
him  in  a  private  conversation  his  advice.  He  however, 
aided  by  others,  became  stiU  more  obtrusive  in  his  man- 
ners, in  the  meetings  of  the  congregation.  At  length  Cal- 
vin gave  him  a  public  reprimand,  for  his  unbecoming  and 
disorderly  conduct.  Incensed  at  this,  he  readily  found 
those  who  justified  and  encouraged  his  audacity  ;  and,  on 
the  death  of  one  of  the  Ministers,  he  demanded  to  be  in- 
troduced into  the  vacancy.  The  Senate  interposed  their 
authority,  and  ordered  an  enquiry  to  be  made  respecting 
his  character.  The  Ministers  of  the  Genevese  Churches 
laid  before  the  Senate  the  reasons  of  their  objections,  that 
he  was  by  party  influence,  and  the  low  arts  of  intrigue, 
pushing  himself  forward  to  the  pastoral  office  ;  that  the 
baseness  of  his  morals  was  evinced  by  the  surreptitious 
letters,  which  he  had  produced  to  support  a  lame  charac- 
ter; and  that,  in  consequence  of  this  fact,  he  was  even 
now  the  sport  of  his  own  faction.  The  Senate  ordered  the 
ecclesiastical  laws  to  be  enforced  against  him,  and  he  Avas 
rejected.* 

In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1546,  Charles  V.  and  Paul 
III.  concerted  a  plan  which,  in  its  result,  was  designed  to 
effect  injuriously  the  dearest  interests  of  the  German  and 
Swiss  Reformers.    So  confident  was   the  Pope  of  success, 

*  Epist.  Calvini  ad  Farellum,  dat.  Sept.  8. 


154G  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  51 

tliat  in  July  he  addressed  a  letter*  to  tlie  Swiss,  declaring 
his  determination  to  unite  his  forces  with  the  Emperour's, 
and  revenge  their  contumaciousness  by  an  exterminating  war. 
The  Swiss  were  thrown  into  great  consternation  by  tliis  letter, 
and  by  the  measures  of  Charles,  who  had  put  the  Elector  of 
Saxony  and  the  Landgrave  of  Hesse  under  the  Ban  of  the 
Empire,  more  effectually  to  ruin  them  by  exposing  their 
dominions  to  every  species  of  lawless  depredation.f  The 
Emperour  managed  in  the  most  artful  manner,  to  divide  and 
awaken  those  States  which  were  deeply  interested  to  be  united 
in  their  conunon  defence  ;  and  with  no  less  duplicity  he  led 
the  Pope  into  all  his  measures,  by  holding  out  to  him.  the 
advantages  which  the  Romish  Church  ^vould  derive  from 
suppressing  the  Protestants.  In  both  respects  he  succeeded 
beyond  his  expectations.  After  multiplied  disasters,  those 
Princes  were  humbled  at  his  feet,  and  yielded  to  such  terms 
as  this  haughty  man  saw  expedient  to  prescribe.;};  The  accu- 
mulated fruits  of  years  appeared  in  a  moment  to  be  swept  away, 
from  themselves  and  their  children ;  their  hopes  of  the  Re- 
formation blasted ;  and  their  dearest  interests  in  the  visible 
Church  sinking  into  the  grave  wdth  their  venerable  Pte  form- 
er.^ Death,  by  many,  was  embraced  as  a  happy  de- 
liverance from  the  distresses  which  they  felt,  and  the  more 
tempestuous  trials  which  they  feared.  Tlie  fugitive  breth- 
ren gave  to  the  reformed  Churches  the  most  dismal  tidings 
of  the  ruin  of  their  cause.  The  intimate  friends  of  Calvin, 
Bucer,  Melancthon  and  many  others,  were  borne  down  with 
anguish,  and  their  lives  threatened  with  imminent  danger. 
The  letters  of  Bucer  conveyed  the  feelings  of  his  heart  in 
the  concise  language  of  grief :  0  my  Calvin  !  is  not  God  thus 
wanting  to  his  promises^   because  we  have  despised    them  ? 

*  Dupin  EccL  Hist.  16  Cent.  B.  3,  p.  34. 

t  Dupin,  16  Cent.  B.  3,  p.  39. 

%  Dupin  p.  72.  $  Luther  died  February  18,  1546. 


52  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1546 

Hon  suddenly y  all  our  loftiness  is  fallen  into  baseness  and  mise- 
ry ? — Beseech  the  Lord  fervently  for  the  health  of  this  Churchy 
that  she  may  learn  to  lose  her  life,  that  she  may  save  it.% — 
Amidst  these  convulsions,  the  soul  of  Calvin  while  he  sympa- 
thized in  their  sorrows,  was  still  undismayed.     Firm  as  the 
rocks  of  his  country,  and  with  vie^vs  far  more  elevated  than 
her  mountains  afford,  he  looked  abroad  over  all  the  darkness 
of  Pontifical  impiety  and  imperial  ambition,  which,  like  the 
clouds  of  morning  mist,  winding  around  their  tops,  transient- 
ly dissolved,  before  the  visions  of  faith,  and  passed  away  be- 
"neath  the  light  of  the  promises  and  the  Providence  of  the 
Redeemer.     The  Pope  discovered  too  late,  that  the  disguised 
policy  of  Charles  was  directing  all  his  measures  to  the  accu- 
mulation of  his  own  power  ;,  that  with  all  his  means  to  crush 
the  Protestant  and  establish  the  Romish  worship,  he  had 
done  nothing,  but  negotiate  with  the  enemies  of  Popery,  on 
terms  that  would  best  secure  his  personal  domination  ;  and, 
apprehensive  that  his  next  step  would  be  to  dictate  laws  to 
the  States  of  Italy,  he  suddenly  withdrew  his  troops,  prefer- 
ring that  the  Protestants  should  abide  in  their  strength,  as  a 
check  upon  this  ambitious  and  perfidious  jnan.     The  Pope 
was  thus  turned  back  by  the  way  which  he  came,  disappointed 
of  his  piirpose,  and  dismayed  at  the  influence  which  he  had 
thrown  into  the  hands  of  Charles. 

During  the  troubles  in  Germany,  the  Genevese  were  agita- 
ted with  internal  factions.  Ainmi  Perrin,  a  man  of  consum- 
jnate  vanity,  audacity  and  ambition,  headed  the  unruly  and 
disa^ected  in  that  city.  By  the  suffrages  of  the  people,  he 
had  been  elected  to  the  oflice  of  Captain  General  of  Geneva. 
From  this  circumstance,  and  the  singularity  of  his  manners, 
Calvin,  usually  in  his  letters  to  Farel  and  Viret,  designated 
him  by  the  title  of  Comicus  Caesar,  the  comical  Emperour^ 

*  Eplst.  Calvlni,  p.  45,  ct  46. 


1547  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  5S 

Exposed  by  their  immoralities  to  ecclesiastical  censures,  Per- 
rin  and  his  associates  concerted  a  plan  to  weaken  and  destroy 
the  influence  of  Calvin.  Two  of  the  colleague  Pastors,  becom- 
ing from  their  intemperance  liable  to  the  severity  of  the  laws, 
instigated  one  of  the  Senators  to  accuse  Calvin  of  teaching 
false  doctrine.  The  Senator,  who  brought  the  accusation, 
was  summoned  before  the  Council,  and  the  matter  being  heard, 
he  was  sentenced,  as  a  calumniator,  and  the  two  Pastors  were 
deposed  from  their  office,  and  forbidden  to  frequent  the 
wine  shops. 

Amidst  these  difficulties,  Calvin  laboured  to  evince  that  the 
Gospel  which  he  announced  was  not  a  matter  of  refined  spe- 
culation, or  worldly  convenience,  but  the  high  calling  of  Godf 
the  supreme  business  of  a  Christian's  life.  The  plain  instruc- 
tions of  Calvin  gave  offence  to  those  who  wished  to  revel  in 
licentious  amusements,  and  yet  be  treated  as  good  and  whol- 
some  members  of  the  Church.  Perrin  and  some  others,  fall- 
ing under  censure,  were  zmxious  to  escape  the  judgment  of  the 
Consistory,  and  pleaded  that  the  trial  for  criminal  conduct 
should  come  only  before  the  Senate.  The  Consistory  urged, 
in  defence  of  their  rights,  that  the  system  of  discipline  had 
been  sanctioned,  as  conformable  to  the  word  of  God ;  and  im- 
plored the  support  of  the  Senate,  that  the  Church  might  re- 
ceive no  injiu-y.  The  Senate  decreed,  that  the  ecclesiastical 
laws  should  be  observed,  and  established  the  sentence  against 
the  delinquents.  The  violence  of  Perrin  and  his  associates 
was  greatly  increased  in  their  endeavours  to  raise  disorder  and 
sedition  in  the  city.  To  allay  the  increasing  evils,  the  Coun- 
cil of  two  hundred  w  ere  convoked  to  meet  on  the  16th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1547.  On  the  preceding  day,  Calvhi  informed  his 
colleagues,  that  tumults  would  probably  be  excited  by  the 
fectious,  and  that  it  was  his  intention,  to  be  present  at  the 
meeting.  Accordingly  Calvin,  accompanied  by  his  colleagues, 
proceeded  to  the  Council  house,  but  arrived  before  the  ap' 


M  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1547 

pointed  time.  Seeing  many  persons  walking  about  the  door, 
they  retired  through  an  adjoining  gate  and  were  unnoticed. 
They  had  not  been  long  in  this  retreat,  before  they  heard 
loud  and  confused  clamours,  which  instantly  increased  with 
all  the  signs  of  sedition.  Calvin  ran  to  the  place,  and  though 
the  aspect  of  things  was  terrible,  he  advanced  into  the  midst 
of  the  violent  and  noisy  crowd.  His  presence  struck  them 
with  astonishment.  His  friends  pressed  around  him, 
as  a  defence.  He  raised  his  voice,  and  solemnly  declared, 
that  he  came  to  oppose  his  body  to  their  swords,  and  if  they 
were  determined  to  shed  any  blood,  he  exhorted  them  to  be- 
gin Avith  his.  The  heat  of  the  sedition  abated.  On  entering 
the  Senate  chamber,  he  found  a  more  violent  contest.  He 
pressed  between  the  parties,  when  they  were  upon  the  point 
of  drawing  their  swords  for  mutual  slaughter,  in  the  very 
sanctuary  of  justice.  Like  an  Angel  of  peace,  he  arrested 
the  fury  of  the  faction,  and  having  brought  the  assembly  to 
their  seats,  he  addressed  them  in  a  continued  and  impressive 
oration.  He  pointed  out  to  the  seditious  their  crimes,  and 
the  publick  evils  which  must  inevitably  follow  upon  indulg- 
ing in  such  immoralities  and  factions ;  and  denounced  upon 
them  the  judgments  of  God,  if  they  should  persist  in  such 
iniquities.  The  eifects  of  this  address  were  so  deeply  felt,  by 
the  seditious  themselves,  that  they  commended  him  for  his 
interposition,  which  had  arrested  their  bloody  attack  upon 
the  Senate.  # 

Soon  after  this,  the  wife  of  Perrin  was  called  before  the 
Consistory  for  her  improper  conduct.  She  became  petulant, 
and  intemperately  added  insult  to  abuse.  After  being  re- 
proved without  effect  by  Pouppinus,  one  of  the  Ministers, 
she  Avas  referred  to  the  Senate,  and  by  their  order  confined  in 
prison.     She  made  her  escape,  and  meeting  Pouppinus  with- 

*  Calvin's  Letlrr  to  Vivet,  dated  Sept.  17, 1547,  in  ejus  Epistolis. 


154r  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  5% 

out  the  gates  of  the  city,  attacked  him  ^^  ith  the  most  abusive 
language.  The  next  day  a  libel  Avas  found  affixed  to  tlie 
pulpit,  in  which  the  Pastors  were  threatened  with  death,  if 
they  persisted  in  their  adherence  to  the  rules  of  discipline 
and  publick  reproof.  The  Senate  ordered  a  strict  enquiry 
after  the  conspirators.  One  James  Gruet  was  apprehended, 
and  his  papers  examined.  Among  these  were  letters  and 
other  writings,  which  insulted  the  Senate  and  the  la'svs  of  the 
Republick ;  tlu-eatened  the  life  of  Calvin ;  ridiculed  the  scrip- 
tures as  false ;  abused  the  Saviour ;  and  called  the  immorta- 
lity of  the  soul  a  dream  and  a  fable.#  Convicted  of  thes& 
and  other  crimes  against  the  city  and  Senate,  Gruet  was  sen- 
tenced to  death,  and  publickly  beheaded.  Perrin  and  his 
wife  retired  from  Geneva.  Calvin,  however,  interceded 
with  the  Senate  to  remit  their  sentence  against  her,  upon  her 
showing  any  signs  of  repentance.  But  this  interposition  pro- 
duced no  effect  upon  the  mind  of  this  outrageous  woman. 

Amidst  those  conflicts,  Calvin  was  watchful  over  the  in- 
terest of  the  reformed  Churches  of  France.  In  August,  he 
addressed  a  letter  to  the  Church  of  Rohan  to  counteract  the 
errours  of  a  Franciscan  Friar,  who  was  labouruig,  to  impose 
upon  that  people  the  corruptions  of  the  heresy  of  Carpocra- 
tes.f 

The  interests  of  the  Protestant  Churches  of  Germany  were 
at  this  time  endangered  by  the  proceedings  of  the  famous 
Council  of  Trent,J  which  was  called  by  Paul  III.,  and  open- 
ed in  that  city  January  T,  1546.  Between  that  time  and 
March,  1547,  it  held  seven  sessions.  The  acts  of  this  last 
general  Council  were  published  for  the  special  purpose  of  con- 
denming  the  opinions  of  Zuinglius,  Luther  and  their  follow- 

*  Calvin's  letter  to  Viret,  July  2, 1547,  in  Epis. 

\  Calvini  Opuscula  p.  403.  Carpocrates  was  author  of  a  pernicious  heresy 
in  the  2d  Century.     Mosh.  vol.  1,  p.  184,  and  Rees'  Cyclopedia, 
i  Dupin,  16  Cent.  Hist,  of  Coun.  Trent. 


56  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1548 

ers.  To  rectify  their  misrepresentations,  and  false  statements, 
of  the  conduct  and  principles  of  the  Reformers,  Calvin  pub- 
lished, in  November,  1547,  an  antidote  against  the  seven  ses- 
sions of  the  Council  of  Trent.  In  this  he  recited  the  acts  of 
each  session,  and  replied  with  energy  and  effect.* 

In  the  mean  time,  the  faction  of  Perrin  became  anxious  to 
have  their  leader  restored  to  his  office  and  influence  in  the 
city.  They  proposed  a  settlement  of  all  the  subsisting  diffi- 
culties, and  requested  that  Viret  should  be  called  from 
Lausanne,  to  assist  in  effectuating  this  object.  Calvin  ac- 
cordingly wrote  to  Viret  and  Farel.f  These  Ministers  came 
to  Geneva,  and  through  their  address  and  influence,  and  at 
the  request  of  Calvin,  the  Senate  reluctantly,  because  jealous 
of  the  dissimulation  of  Perrin,  restored  him  to  his  office,  af- 
ter the  Consistory  had  removed  the  sentence  of  excommuni- 
cation. This  accommodation  took  place  in  the  beginning 
of  1548. 

However  Farel,  Viret  and  Calvin  might  have  expected 
that  this  accommodation  would  be  permanent,  they  sooh 
found,  that  Perrin  and  his  faction  had  pursued  those  mea- 
sures of  peace,  in  order  the  more  extensively  to  effect  their 
hostile  purpose.  They  threw  off  the  mask  by  degrees,  and 
with  increased  impudence  proceeded  to  vent  their  malice 
against  Calvin,  in  those  methods  which  are  the  last  resorts  of 
meanness.  Some  cut  their  corslets  in  the  form  of  a  cross ; 
others  named  their  dogs  Calvin  ;  some  changed  his  name  in- 
to Cain  ;  and  a  few  abstained  from  the  Supper  of  the  Lord, 
to  express  their  hatred  of  the  Pastor.  Conscious  of  his  own 
integrity,  Calvin,  unmoved  by  these  reproaches,  pursued  the 
regular  course  of  duty,  and  procured  the  arraignment  of 
these  revilers  before  the  Senate,  for  their  contemptuous  con- 
duct towards  the  ministry.     Being  convicted,  they  sanction- 

*  Cal.  Opus.  p.  226. 

I  Epist.  Calvinj,  to  Viret,  March,  1547.    To  Farel,  August,  1547. 


1548  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  57 

ed  anew  the  terms  of  reconciliation  with  their  oaths,  on  the 
18th  of  December,  and  for  a  season  their  factious  proceed- 
ings were  suppressed. 

Having  obtained  complete  success  in  the  battle  of  IMulh- 
berg  on  the  Elbe,  in  the  spring  of  15i7,  and  made  the  Elect- 
or of  Saxony  and  the  Landgrave  of  Hesse  prisoners,  the  Em- 
perour,  to  make  sure  of  his  ambitious  purposes,  called  a  Diet 
at  Augsburg.  After  much  opposition  from  the  Pope,  and 
fruitless  delays  from  their  mutual  jealousies,  he  determined 
to  settle,  agreeable  to  his  own  wishes,  the  religious  order  of 
his  own  dominions.  He  accordingly  published,  jMay  15, 
1548,#  a  system  of  doctrine  and  worship,  designed  to  regu- 
late the  Churches  of  Germany,  till  another  Council  should 
be  convened.  This  Formula  was  called  the  Irderim.  It 
artfully  covered  the  substance  of  Popery,  with  some  ac- 
commodating expressions,  to  quiet  the  Protestants,  under  the 
imperial  authority.  In  the  general  alarm  and  resentment, 
it  engaged  the  attention  of  Calvin.  He  exposed  the  oppres- 
sive measures  of  Charles ;  unmasked  this  system  of  hypocri- 
sy, as  he  examined  it  step  by  step  ;  and  demonstrated  its 
noxious  tendency  to  subvert  the  foundation  of  the  Protestant 
cause.-f  During  this  year,  amidst  the  vexatious  factions  of 
his  own  Church,  Calvin,  as  though  surrounded  by  a  perfect 
ralra,  completed  and  published  his  learned  commentaries 
on  the  Epistles  of  the  Apostle  Paul.  And  also,  in  a  small 
but  elegantly  written  work,  he  exposed,  with  much  acuteness, 
ihe  falsity  and  folly  of  judicial  astrology. 

Bucer,  having  read  the  Interim  at  the  request  of  the 
Elector  of  Brandenburg,  plainly  told  him,  "  that  it  was  nor 
thing  but  downright  Popery,  only  a  little  disguised."  The 
Elector  was  highly  offended,  and  Bucer,  not  without  great 

*  See  Burnet's  Hist,  of  the  Reformation,  vol.  2,  p.  81.    Dupin,  16  Gent. 
B.3,p.83. 
t  See  Opnscufe  Thsologica  Calvini,  p.  260. 

8 


<5S  LIFE  01  CALVIN.  1548 

hazard,  returned  to  Strasburg-.  Germany,  wliich  had  been 
the  sanctuary  of  the  persecuted  Reformers  from  Italy  and 
France,  was  now  threatened  with  an  over\\  hehning  storm  ; 
and  many  of  her  Mhiisters  Avere  compelled  to  shelter  them- 
selves in  obscure  retreats,  or  to  take  refuge  in  Switzerland  and 
England.  Henry  VIII.  was  succeeded,  in  1547,  by  his  son  Ed- 
ward VI.,  a  youth  distinguished  for  his  piety  and  early  at- 
tachment to  the  cause  of  the  Reformation.  The  venerable 
Cranmcr,  v\ith  others  under  the  auspices  of  the  Lord  Pro- 
tector and  the  Prince,  had  entered  on  the  \vork  of  purifying 
the  Church,  Avith  moderation  and  wisdom.  To  forward,  in 
the  best  maimer,  the  laborious  undertaking,  they  judged  it 
expedient  to  ask  the  assistance  of  some  of  the  experienced 
Reformers  from  Germany.  For  this  purpose,  Cranmer  ad- 
dressed letters,  in  the  name  of  the  King,#  to  Peter  IMartyr, 
at  Strasburg,  requesting  him  and  others  to  come  into  Eng- 
land. JMartyr,  with  Bernard  Ochinus,  arnvcd  in  England  in 
Nov.  1547.  IMartyr  was  appointed  Divinity  Professor  at  Ox- 
ford ;  Ochinus  was  made  a  Canon  of  Canterbury ;  and  a  sa- 
lary of  forty  marks  Avas  settled  on  each  of  them  by  the  King. 
The  letters  of  IMartyr  conveyed  to  his  friends  the  account 
of  the  changes  which  were  taking  place  in  England,  in  ec- 
clesiastical matters,  and  excited  the  attention  of  Calvin  and 
Bucer.  "  Calvin  wrote,"  says  Bishop  Bfrnet,  "  to  the  Fro- 
tector  on  the  29th  of  October ,f  encouraging  him  to  go  on^ 
notwithstanding  the  wars,  as  Hezekias  had  done  in  his  Re- 
formation. He  lamented  the  heats  of  some  that  professed  the 
Gospel ;  but  complained  that  he  heard  there  were  few  live- 
ly sermons  preached  in  England ;  and  that  the  Preachers  recit- 
ed their  discourses  coldly.    He  much  approves  of  a  set  form 

*  Burnet's  Hist,  of  the  Reformation,  vol.  2,  p.  50. 

t  Iclem.p  83.  The  three  editions  of  Calvin's  Letters  which  I  have  be- 
fore me,  of  Geneva,  llannan  and  Amsterdam,  all  have  this  letter  dated  Oc- 
tober 22. 


1549  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  59 

of  prayers,  whereby  the  consent  of  all  the  Churches  did  more 
manifestly  appear.  But  he  advises  a  more  complete  Keform- 
ation.  He  taxed  X\it  prayers  for  the  dead,  the  use  of  ehrism, 
and  extreme  unction,  since  they  were  no  %shere  recommend- 
ed in  scripture.  He  had  heard,  tliat  the  reason  why  they 
went  no  farther,  was,  because  the  times  would  not  J  ear  it : 
But  this  was  to  do  the  Avork  of  God  by  political  maxims ; 
wliich,  though  they  ought  to  take  place  in  other  things,  yet 
should  not  be  followed  in  matters  in  wliich  the  salvation  of  the 
soul  is  concerned.  But  above  all,  he  complained  of  the  impie- 
ties and  vices  which  were  so  common  in  England  ;  as  swear- 
ing, drinking  and  uncleanness,  and  prayed  him  earnestly  that 
these  things  might  be  looked  after."  Such  is  the  account 
which  Burnet*  gives  of  the  elegant  letter  of  Calvin  to  the 
Duke  of  Somerset.-f  When  Nicolaus,  the  messenger,  deliver- 
ed it  to  the  Duke,  and  informed  him  that  he  had  another 
for  the  King,  he  graciously  undertook  the  office  of  delivering 
it,  and  went  the  next  day  to  the  palace,  Vvliere  it  was  re- 
ceived with  great  pleasure  by  the  young  inonarch  and  the 
royal  Council.  Cranmer  informed  Nicolaus,  that  Calvin 
could  do  nothing  more  useful  than  to  write  often  to  the 
King.j;  Bucer  still  remained  at  Strasburg,  but  the  troubles 
in  Germany  about  the  Interim  daily  increasing,  he  yielded 
to  the  request  of  Archbishop  Cranmer,  and  with  Paul  Fagi- 
us^  arrived  in  England  in  the  spring  of  I5i9.*t[    Bucer  was 

*  Peter  Heylin,  in  his  history  of  the  Presbyterians,  f^ives  an  account  of 
this  letter,  but  not  with  the  candour  and  correctness  of  Burnet.  Ileylin  is 
an  intemperate  and  incorrect  author ;  and  has  need  of  a  verbal  process  upon 
his  assertions,  even  when  he  refers  to  his  autliovities.  Heylin  however 
slightly  alludes  to  the  other  letters  which  Calvin  wrote  to  the  Protector  and 
the  King'. See  Heylin,  Hist.  Presb.  p.  12.  f  See  Letters,  No.  34, 

i  Calvin's  letter  to  Farel,  dated  June  15, 1551,  in  ejus  Epi5;t. 

§  The  learned  Fagius  was  employed  at  Cambridge  to  translate  the  Old 
TesUment  from  the  Hebrew,  and  Bucer  the  Xew  Testament  from  the 
Greek.     But  these  works  were  not  completed.     Fagius  died  Nov.  15,  1550. 

^  Bucholtzer's  Chronology,  Anno  1549.  He  sayE  that  Bucer  and  F.ighjs 
left  Strasburg  April  1,  1549 


60  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1549 

appointed  Professor  of  Theology  at  Cambridge,  and  gave 
Calvin  an  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in  that  country. 
Considering  the  temporizing  spirit  of  Bucer,  and  the  exten- 
sive benefit  he  might  render  the  English  Church,  Calvin,  in 
his  answer,*  advised  him  to  be  decisive  and  express  on  the 
subject  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  elTectually  consoled  him 
in  his  exile  from  Strasburg. 

The  expediency  of  submitting  to  the  hiterim  had  excited 
a  controversy  among  the  Saxon  Divines.  Melancthon  and 
others  concurred  in  the  opinion,  that  in  matters  of  an  indif- 
ferent 7iature  compliance  was  due  to  the  imperial  edicts. 
Under  this  covert,  they  sheltered  themselves  from  persecu- 
tion, while  in  appearance  they  connived  at  the  imposition  of 
the  su])stance  of  Popery  upon  the  reformed  Churches.  Mat- 
thias Flacius,  with  others,  attacked  those  evasive  divines, 
and  with  an  overbearing  intolerance  and  bitterness  accused 
IMelancthon  of  apostacy  from  the  true  doctrines.  Calvin,  at 
their  request,  wrote  Melancthon  an  admonitory  letter.  Con- 
sidering his  anxieties  lest  Melancthon  had  yielded  too  much 
on  this  occasion,  this  letter  is  an  uncommon  instance  of  faith- 
ful friendship  to  that  distinguished  man,  and  of  supreme  re- 
gard to  the  cause  of  Christ.f 

While  the  German  Churches  were  thus  oppressed  by  the 
severity  of  Charles,  and  multiplying  their  difficulties  by  per- 
sonal dissensions,  the  Swiss  were  making  important  advances 
in  composing  their  diiierences  of  opinion  about  the  Eucha- 
rist. Luther,  after  the  interview  of  JMarpurg  in  1529,  had  beeu 
most  vehemently  tenacious  in  maintaining  the  doctrine  of  Con- 
svbs'anticttion.  Zuinglius,  Bullinger,  Calvin  and  others  were 
decidedly  opposed  to  this  doctrine,  as  being  nothing  essen- 
tially different  in  absurdity  from  the  Romish  Transubstantia- 
tion.  IMelancthon,  Bucer  and  Calvin  were  anxious  to  keep 
all  the  Churches  in  fellowship,  and  had  used  accommodating 

'  Sec  Letters,  No. .%  f  See  LetteTs,  No. -3'5. 


154^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  Ql 

terms  in  explaining  the  presence  of  Christ  in  the  elements  of 
the  Supper.  In  consequence  of  this,  Calvin  v.as  represented 
as  holding  the  opinion  of  Luther  that,  after  the  consecration 
of  the  elements,  ihe  body  and  blood  of  Christ  are  substan- 
tially present,  together  with  the  substance  of  the  bread  and 
wine.  To  remove  these  unfounded  suspicions,  Calvin  repair- 
ed with  Farel  to  Zurich,  and  in  a  publick  conference  set- 
tled the  agitated  question  on  the  permanent  basis  of  a  writ- 
ten confession.  The  articles  were  approved  by  the  other 
Swiss  Churches,  and  the  Church  of  Zurich  was  thus  united 
to  that  of  Geneva,  and  Bullinger  to  Calvin,  in  renewed  and 
durable  bonds  of  amity.* 

Loelius  Socinus,  of  Sienna,  who  injudiciously  indulged 
himself  in  curious  and  scholastick  questions,  having  some 
acquaintance  with  Calvin,  addressed  to  him  several  en- 
quiries of  a  theological  nature.  Calvin  answered  his  ques- 
tions about  the  resiurrection  and  other  points ;  and  at  the 
same  time  suspecting  his  opinions,  he  plainly  advised  him  to 
check  his  ardent  deshe  for  unprofitable  speculations,  as  the 
indulgence  might  be  the  occasion  of  much  evil  to  him  in  the 
end.f  This  man  was  artful  in  concealing  his  own  wayward 
opinions,  under  the  form  of  questions  to  be  discussed,  as 
though  he  was  seeking  for  light,  when  his  real  object  was  to 
puzzle  and  undermine  the  opinions  of  others,  and  draw  them 
into  darkness  and  doubt.  He  appears  to  have  profited  so 
far  by  the  admonitions  of  Calvin  as  to  have  concealed  the 
extent  of  his  presumptuous  speculations,  not  only  from  him 
but  also  from  Melancthon  and  Camerarius.  After  his  death, 
it  was  ascertained  that  he  was  the  principal  author  of  those 
©pinions  which  have  given  a  new  appellation  to  an  old  he- 
resy. Faustus  Socinus  obtained  at  Zurich  the  papers  of  his 
uncle,  from  which   the   notions  of  the  Paulicians  were  re- 

*  See  Tract.  Theolog.  Calvlni,  p.  648,  dated  Aug'ust  1, 1549. 
f  Tft-o  letters  to  Socinits,  inEpist.Calvini ;  the  last  dated  Dec«n her,  1549. 


63  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1549 

vived,  That  Ihe  Almighty  Saviour  is  a  mere  man,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  a  mere  attribute ;  and  that  the  eesential  doctrines 
of  the  Gospel,  original  sin,  the  atonement,  and  the  agency 
and  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  not  taught  in  the  scrip- 
tures.* 

Notwithstanding  tlie  conflicts  with  which  the  Genevese 
Church  had  struggled,  her  numbers  were  increased,  and  on 
account  of  the  persecutions  which  prevailed  in  France  and 
Germany,  and  the  wars  in  both  countries,  many  respectable 
strangers  had  sought  refuge  in  this  independent  city,  where 
they  were  received  by  Calvin  with  great  kindness.  The 
divine  blessing  rested  upon  his  labours,  both  as  Professor  of 
Theology  and  Pastor  of  that  Church,  while  his  reputation 
and  the  influence  of  his  writings  were  extensively  increasing 
in  the  Churches  abroad. 

Early  in  the  spring  of  this  year,  the  faith  and  fortitude  of 
Calvin  were  brought  to  a  severe  trial.  The  companion, 
who  had  for  about  nine  years  cherished  him  in  the  most  af- 
fectionate manner,  was  removed  by  death  in  March,  1549. 
She  was  comely  in  her  person,f  amiable  in  her  manners,  and 
devoutly  humble  in  her  religious  duties ;  and  her  death 
was  to  Calvin,  amidst  his  labours  and  infirmities,  an  irrepa- 
ra])le  loss.  His  strong  and  habitual  faith,  however,  enabled 
him  to  submit,  with  exemplary  calmness  and  constancy,  to 
Diis  chastising  stroke  from  the  hand  of  divine  sovereignty. 
On  this  interesting  occasion,  he  shall  speak  for  himself. 

*<  Calvin  to  Fakel. 

"  The  report  of  the  death  of  my  wife  has  doubtless  i;fach- 
ed  you  before  this.  I  use  every  exertion  in  my  power  not 
to  be  entirely  overcome  with  heaviness  of  heart.  My  friendf, 
who  are  about  me,  omit  nothing  that  can  aflTord  any  allevi- 

*  Sec  Raylr.     Art.  Fanst.  Socinus,    Notes.  f  Bayle. 


1519  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  63 

ation  to  the  depression  of  my  mind.  When  your  l^rother 
left  us,  we  ahnost  despaked  of  her  life.  On  Tuesday,  all 
the  brethren  being  present,  we  united  in  prayer.  Pouppi- 
nus  then,  in  the  name  of  the  rest,  exhorted  her  to  faith  and 
patience.  In  a  few  words,  (for  she  was  very  feeble,)  she 
gave  evidence  of  the  stateof  her  mind.  After  this  I  added  an 
exhortation,  such  as  I  thought  suitable  to  the  occasion.  As 
she  had  not  mentioned  her  children,  I  was  apprehensive  that 
from  delicacy  she  might  cherish  in  her  mind  an  anxiety 
more  painful  than  her  disease ;  and  I  declared  before  the 
brethren,  that  I  would  take  the  same  care  of  them  as  if  they 
were  my  own.  She  ansAvered,  I  have  already  commended 
them  to  the  Lord.  When  I  observed  that  this  did  not  lessen 
my  obligation  of  duty  to  them,  she  answered  immediately. 
If  the  Lord  takes  them  under  his  protection,  I  know  they  nill 
be  entrusted  to  your  care.  The  elevation  of  her  mind  was 
so  great  that  she  appeared  to  be  raised  above  this  world. 
On  the  day  when  she  gave  up  her  soul  to  the  Lord,  our  bro- 
ther Borgonius,  a  little  before  6  o'clock,  opened  to  her  the 
consolations  of  the  Gospel,  during  which  she  frequently  ex- 
claimed, so  that  we  all  perceived  that  her  aifections  were  on 
things  above.  The  words  she  uttered  were,  0  glorious  Re- 
surrection I — God  of  Abraham,  and  of  all  our  fathers  ! — The 
faithfkil  have,  for  so  many  ages,  hoped  in  thee,  and  not  one  has 
been  disappointed. /  will  also  hope.  These  short  sen- 
tences she  rather  ejaculated,  than  pronounced  with  a  conti- 
nued voice.  She  did  not  catch  them  from  others.  But  by 
these  few  words  she  manifested  the  thoughts  which  exercis- 
ed her  mind,  and  the  meditations  which  she  clierlslied  in 
her  own  heart.  At  6  o'clock  I  was  compelled  to  leave  home. 
After  seven  they  shifted  her  position,  and  she  immediately 
began  to  fail.  Perceiving  her  voice  beginning  to  falter, 
she  said,  Let  us  pray-'^Lct  us  pray — Pray  for  me,  all  of  you. 
—At  this  time  I  entered  the  house.     She  was  unable  to 


e*  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  154if 

speak,  hut  gave  signs  of  an  agitated  mind.  I  said  a  few 
things  concerning  the  giace  of  Christ,  the  hope  of  eternal 
life,  our  domestick  intercourse  and  fellowship,  and  our  de- 
parture from  this  society  and  miion.  I  retired  to  pray.  She 
Avas  attentive  to  the  instruction,  and  heard  the  prayers  with 
a  sound  mind.  Before  8  o'clock  she  breathed  her  last  so 
placidly,  that  those  present  could  not  distinguish  the  mo- 
ment which  closed  her  life. — I  now  suppress  the  sorrow  of 
my  heart,  and  give  myself  no  remission  from  my  official  du- 
ties. But  the  Lord  still  exercises  mc  with  other  troubles. 
Farewell,  dear  and  faithful  brother.  May  the  Lord  Jesus 
strengthen  you  by  his  spirit,  and  me  also  in  this  so  great  ca- 
lamity, A^hich  would  inevitably  have  overpowered  me  unless 
from  heaven  he  had  stretched  forth  his  hand,  whose  office  it 
is  to  raise  the  fallen,  to  strengthen  the  weak,  and  to  refresh 
the  weary.  Salute  all  the  brethren  and  your  whole  family.. 
"  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

«  Geneva,  April  11,  1549." 

"  Calvin  to  Viret. 

"  Although  the  death  of  my  wife  is  a  very  severe  affliction, 
yet  I  repress,  as  nmch  as  I  am  able,  the  sorrow  of  my  heart. 
My  friends  also  afford  every  anxious  assistance,  yet  Avith  all 
our  exertions  we  effect  less,  in  assuaging  my  grief  than  I 
could  wish ;  but  still  the  consolation  which  I  do  obtain  I  can- 
not express.  You  know  the  tenderness  of  my  mind,  or  rather 
with  wliat  effeminacy  I  yield  under  trials ;  so  that  without 
the  exercise  of  much  moderation,  I  could  not  have  supported 
the  pressure  of  my  sorrow.  Certainly  it  is  no  common  occa- 
sion of  grief.  I  am  deprived  of  a  most  amiable  partner, 
who,  whatever  might  have  occurred  of  extreme  endurance, 
would  have  been  my  willing  companion,  not  only  in  exile 
and  poverty,  but  even  in  death.     While  she  lived  .she  was 


1549  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  65 

indeed  the  faithful  helper  of  my  ministry,  and  on  no  oc- 
casion did  I  ever  experience  from  her  any  interruption. 


*'  For  your  friendly  consolation  I  return  you  my  sincere 
thanks.  Farewell,  my  dear  and  faithful  brother.  IVIay  the 
Lord  Jesus  watch  over  and  direct  you  and  your  wife.  To 
her  and  the  brethren  express  my  best  salutation. 

«  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

^»  April  7,  1549." 

"  ViRET  TO  Calvin. 

"  The  things  which  are  related  to  me,  by  the  united  testi- 
mony of  the  most  respectable  witnesses,  concerning  the  forti- 
tude and  equanimity  of  your  mind,  under  this  so  severe  fa- 
mily wound  and  domestic  k  grief,  afford  me  reason  to  suppose, 
that  I  should  congratulate  rather  than  console  you  in  my 
letter ;  especially  as  I  am  perfectly  aware  of  that  which  you 
call  the  tenderness  of  your  mind.  This  quality  may,  with 
more  propriety,  be  ascribed  to  you  than  effeminacy,  as  youi* 
conduct  fully  proves  the  last  to  be  inapplicable  to  your  dis. 
position.  On  this  account,  I  the  more  admire  the  influence 
of  that  divine  Spirit  which  operates  in  you ;  and  abundantly 
proves  himself  by  his  fruits  worthy  of  the  name  of  the  true 
Comforter.  And  may  I  not  justly  acknowledge  the  power  of 
that  Spirit  in  you,  since  you  bear,  with  so  composed  a  mind, 
those  domestick  misfortunes,  which  with  the  greatest  possi- 
ble severity  most  intimately  affect  your  heart,  A\hich  was  al- 
ways so  easily  moved  at  the  calamities  of  others,  and  so  ac- 
customed to  feel  them  as  if  they  were  your  own.  Believe 
me,  your  fortitude  is  uncommon,  and  so  is  the  testimony  of 
divine  benevolence  towards  you.  This  makes  me  greatly 
ashamed  of  myself,  that  in  a  similar  affliction  I  did  not  ex- 

0 


64  Lll  E  Oh  CALVliV.  1549 

ercise  the  same  fortitude,  nor  even  arrive  at  the  least  shadow 
of  it.  I  ^\  as  so  overpowered  and  prostrated  by  that  stroke  of 
adversity,  that  the  whole  earth  appeared  to  me  nothing  but  a 
mere  wilderness.  Every  thing  was  unpleasant ;  there  was  no 
object  which  could  assuage  the  sorrow  of  my  soul.  I  often 
accused  myself  of  bearing  my  aiiliction  with  much  less  forti- 
tude, than  was  becoming  my  station,  and  still  less  becoming 
a  man  Avho  had  embraced  the  doctrine  of  divine  wisdom,  at 
its  first  appearance,  professing  myself  not  only  a  disciple,  but 
a  teacher  of  others ;  because  I  was  unable  to  use  those  reme  - 
dies,  in  my  own  sufferings,  which  I  prescribed  to  others  un- 
der like  trials.  But  you,  on  the  contrary,  are  so  far  from  be- 
ing dejected  and  disheartened^  that  you  inspire  others  Avith 
new  strength  by  your  example;  testifying  that  you  have 
done  that  yourself  which  you  recommended  to  others,  and 
thus  you  are  able,  when  in  health,  to  give  the  best  counsels  to 
the  sick,  and  in  your  own  trials  can  draw  consolation  from 
them,  and  conduct  yourself  as  though  all  was  well.  It  com- 
forted me  beyond  measure,  Avhen  I  was  informed,  not  by  vague 
rumoui's,  but  by  so  many  messengers,  that  you  went  through 
all  the  duties  of  your  office,  with  a  readiness  and  ease,  great- 
er than  usual,  and  that  you  were  always  present  in  body  and 
mind,  at  all  your  meetings,  sermons,  and  all  publick  and  pri- 
vate duties,  to  the  admiration  of  all ;  and  that  you  did  this 
especially  at  the  time,  when  your  sorrows  were  recent,  and 
had  the  keenest  edge  to  wound  and  destroy  your  constancy. 
Proceed  therefore  with  the  same  stability ;  and  so  conduct 
yourself  as  to  confirm  this  opinion  of  you  in  the  minds  of  all, 
that  you  have  always  exercised  that  presence  of  mind,  which 
this  aiiliction  has  not  so  disturbed,  and  that  repose  which 
it  has  not  so  interrupted,  but  that  you  were  able  to  discern, 
and  command  with  ease,  all  those  things  which  could  tend 
to  comfort  you.  That  you  may  do  this,  and  persevere  in 
youi:  course  with  fortitude,  and  receive  daily  an  increase  of 


1550  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  6/ 

strength,  and  more  ample  consolation,  is  my  most  fervent 
prayer  to  God.  And  what  more  can  I  do  to  assist  you  ? 
For  I  have  neither  the  influence  of  authority,  nor  the  acute- 
ness  of  reasoning,  to  withdraw  or  dissuade  you  from  this  se- 
vere conflict  of  sorrow,  unless  your  omti  mind  supplies  you 
with  resolution  in  bearing  this  cross,  through  the  exuberant 
grace  of  divine  goodness,  from  which  proceed  all  those  other 
gifts,  which  the  Lord  heis  so  richly  bestoAved  upon  you.  I 
will  therefore  say  no  more  on  this  subject.  I  may  have  said 
too  much  already.  My  Avife  salutes  you  most  affectionately, 
and  is  exercised  with  no  common  grief,  by  the  death  of  her 
dearest  sister,  and  with  me  considers  it  a  calamity  to  us  all. 
It  grieves  me,  that  an  opportunity  is  not  now  afforded  me  for 
a  personal  interview  with  you.  Should  you  A^ish  it,  no  im- 
peding circumstances  shall  prevent  me  from  visiting  you. 
My  colleagues  salute  you  with  all  the  brethren,  among 
whom  you  may  number  Francis  of  Viviers,  who  is  now  here 
and  begs  me  to  salute  you  in  his  name.  Salute  our  domestic  k 
and  other  friends,  especially  Gallasius,  Beza#  and  Ottoman, 
in  my  name,  to  whom  Francis  also  wishes  health.  FarewelU 
«  Yours,  PETER  YIREI'. 

«  LiiusAKifE,  April  10,  1549." 

The  year  1550  was  comparatively  tranquil,  and  the  eccle- 
siastical affairs  were  conducted  with  unusual  harmony.  As 
some  persons  neglected  publick  worship,  and  others  attended 
but  with  little  profit,  it  was  decreed  by  the  Senate,  that 
the  Ministers  should  not  limit  their  labours  to  preaching  the 
word,  but  should  at  stated  times  visit  every  family,  attend- 
ed by  the  Decurion  of  each  ward,  and  a  ruling  Elder :  and 

•  In  1548,  Beza  left  Paris,  and  arrived  at  Geneva  Oct.  24.  From  thence 
he  went  to  Tubingen,  to  see  his  old  instructor,  Melcliior  Wolmar.  He  re- 
turned to  Geneva,  and  at  the  call  of  the  Chui-ch  of  Lausanne,  and  the  solicit- 
ations of  Calvin,  he  commenced  his  ecclesiastical  labours  in  this  city,  154.9, 


68  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  1551 

that  they  should  question  each  person  summarily  concern- 
ing the  reason  of  his  faith.  This  personal  apphcation  of  in- 
struction -vvas  attended  with  favom'able  and  extensive  bene- 
fits. It  was  also  decreed,  that  the  commemoration  of  the 
nativity  of  the  Saviour  should  be  referred  to  the  next  Lord's 
day,  and  that  no  day  should  be  observed  as  holy  excepting 
every  seventh  day  which  is  called  the  Lord's  day.  This 
regulation  oifended  some  who  were  attached  to  the  festivals, 
and  they  attempted  to  excite  an  opposition  to  this  proceed- 
ure,  by  insinuating  that  Calvin  would  finally  abolish  the 
Lord's  day  itself.  But  however  ready  the  opposers  were  to 
charge  this  decree  upon  Calvin,  the  fact  was,  that  it  was 
passed  by  the  people  not  only  without  the  request,  but  even 
without  the  knowledge  of  the  Ministers ;  and  Calvin,  though 
he  judged  this  measure  inexpedient,  at  this  time  and  under 
all  the  circumstances,  laboured  to  conduct  himself  in  the  most 
accommodating  manner  respecting  this  subject.#  At  this 
time,  to  expose  and  counteract  the  disposition  to  detraction 
which  is  too  commonly  indulged  by  many,  Calvin  publish- 
ed, on  this  occasion,  a  small  work  concerning  Scandal^  which 
he  dedicated  to  his  old  and  faithful  friend  Laurence  of  Nor- 
mandy.f 

Martin  Bucer,  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  University  of 
Cambridge,  closed  his  learned  and  useful  career  February 
28,  1551.  As  he  had  been  highly  respected  by  Edward 
VI.,  his  remains  were  interred  with  distinguished  funeral  ho- 
nours.J  The  death  of  Bucer  occurred  at  the  critical  mo- 
ment when  the  Liturgy  of  the  English  Chmch  was  under- 
going a  reform.  The  loss  of  his  influence  in  that  work, 
and  the  close  of  a  long  and  most  confidential  intimacy  and 
correspondence,  so  deeply  affected  Calvin,  that  in  his  letter 

*  Epist.  Cal.  to  the  Minister  of  Buren,  dated  July  10, 1550- 
■j-  See  Opuscula  Calvini,  p;  64. 
+  See  Burnet,  vol.  2,  p.  155. 


1551  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  G9 

to  Farel,  he  forebore  d"welling  on  the  painful  subject ;  and  says, 
"  When  I  reflect  with  myself,  how  great  a  loss  the  Church  of 
God  has  sustained  in  the  death  of  this  man,  it  cannot  ]je  but 
that  I  should  be  tortured  with  fresh  sorrow.  His  inlluence 
was  great  in  England.  And  from  his  writings,  I  cannot  but 
indulge  the  hope,  that  posterity  will  be  benefited  in  a  still 
more  extensive  degree.  It  may  be  added  that  the  Church 
appears  to  be  deprived  of  faithful  Teadiers."  He  proceeds 
to  mention,  in  the  same  letter,  the  death  of  his  fi-iend  Joa- 
chim Vadian,  Consul  of  St.  Gal,  a  civil  Magistrate  valua- 
ble for  his  learning  and  piety,  the  weight  of  whose  influ- 
ence was  very  great  in  the  civil  and  religioiis  concerns  of 
the  Helvetians.* 

Those  who,  from  restlessness  or  ambition,  are  ever  upon 
the  watch  to  effect  their  evil  purposes,  are  seldom  without 
some  pretext  sufficiently  plausible  to  afford  them  the  hope 
of  accomplishing  those  objects,  to  which  their  hatred  of  reli- 
gion, or  love  of  poAver,  so  strongly  and  anxiously  impels  them. 
The  faction  of  Geneva,  in  order  to  stir  up  the  sleeping  fires 
of  contention,  first  openly  opposed  the  granting  of  the  rights 
of  citizenship  to  those  who,  exiled  from  other  countries  by 
persecution,  had  taken  up  their  residence  in  this  city.  They 
next  attacked  Calvin  with  deriding  language,  as  he  was  retir- 
ing from  a  meeting  held  across  the  Rlione ;  and  to  gratify 
their  disposition  for  mischief,  and  abuss  against  the  3Iinis- 
ters  who  reproved  their  vices,  and  the  Consistory  that  disci- 
plined them,  they  secretly  removed  one  of  the  posts  of  the 
bridge  over  which  Raymond  Calvet  must  necessarily  pass  at 
night,  and  he  narrowly  escaped  being  precipitated  into  the 
river.  For  the  purpose  also  of  raising  a  popular  tumult,  a 
child  was  presented  for  baptism  in  the  Church  of  St.  Ger- 
Tais,  to  whom  it  was  well  known  that  the  Minister  could  not 

*  See  Cal.  Epist.    Letter  to  jj^el  June  15, 1551,  and  to  Viret  May  10, 
1551. 


to  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  15Sa 

administer  that  ordinance,  if  lie  adhered  to  the  established 
rules  of  ecclesiastical  order. .  He  refused  to  give  the  name 
Balthazar,  and  a  violent  tumult  was  raised  on  the  occasion. 
Against  these  evils,  however,  Calvin  opposed  no  means  of 
defence,  but  the  shield  of  steady  and  invincible  patience.* 

The  successive  attacks  of  the  factious,  to  demolish  the 
Consistory,  had  on  the  whole  tended  to  add  new  strength  io 
the  basis,  and  to  increase  the  compactness  and  durability  of 
the  edifice  of  Church  discipline.  Ecclesiastical  censures  Avere 
extremely  dreaded,  and  the  stoutest  hearts  Avere  appalled  at 
the  disgrace  which  accompanied  them.  To  avoid  the  infa- 
my of  publick  censure,  as  they  were  determined  to  persist  in 
their  heretical  opinions  and  vicious  conduct,  they  judged  it 
expedient  to  remove  Calvin  fi-om  his  office,  or  destroy  his  in- 
fluence, as  he  Avas  the  principal  barrier  Avhich  obstructed 
their  course,  and  the  chief  supporter  of  correct  discipline. 

Among  the  Hydras  of  faction,  which  successively  shot 
forth  their  revegetating  heads  in  Geneva,  Jerome  Bolseck  oc- 
cupies a  distinguished  place.  He  first  appeared  in  the  char- 
acter of  a  Parisian  IMonk,  of  the  order  of  the  Carmelites. 
Some  years  however  before  this,  he  had  quitted  his  habit, 
without  changing  his  disposition.  After  obtruding  himself 
upon  the  pious  Duchess  of  Ferrara,  as  a  Reformer,  his  hy- 
pocrisy AA  as  detected  and  he  was  driven  from  her  court. 
With  only  three  days  preparatory  study,  he  then  assumed  the 
profession  of  medicine,  and  soon  after  came  to  Geneva. 
Finding  himself  despised  as  a  quack,  by  the  learned  Physi- 
cians of  this  city,  he  Avas  compelled  to  take  some  other 
course,  and  unfortunately  attempted  to  establish  himself  as  a 

*  Quick's  Synodicon,  vol.  1,  Art.  of  Discipline.  Baptism,  p.  46.  Also, 
Synod  3d  at  Orleans,  p.  25,  sect.  21.  Children  of  excommunicated  parents 
were  not  to  be  baptized.  Pagan  names,  and  names  sacred  to  God,  and  the 
names  Baptist,  Angel,  Archangel,  &c.  were  t*  be  refused.".— See  Bing- 
ham's works,  vol.  2,  p.  774^ 


1551  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  7.1 

Theologian.  The  diversity  of  opinion,  about  the  doctrine  of 
predestination,  opened  the  way  for  his  attaching  himself  to 
that  party,  who  were  in  opposition  to  the  confession  of  the 
Church  and  the  principles  of  Calvin.  He  soon  began  to  ad- 
vance his  sentiments  on  some  disputed  points  in  the  publick 
meetings.  Calvin,  in  a  private  conversation^  pointed  out  his 
errours,  and  endeavoured  to  persuade  hira  into  the  belief  of 
better  things.  Disregarding  these  counsels,  and  pleased 
with  the  commendations  of  the  disaffected,  he  was  instiga- 
ted to  address  the  people  at  a  meeting  of  the  congregation, 
the  16th  of  October,  after  one  of  the  Ministers  had  discours- 
ed from  John,  viii.  47.  concerning  the  sovereignty  of  the 
grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  undertook  to  prove  the  fallacy 
of  the  doctrine  of  divine  sovereignty,  as  stated  by  the  Preach- 
er, and  added  haughty  and  seditious  reproaches  against  the 
avowed  principles  of  that  Church.  As  Calvin  left  the  house 
at  the  close  of  the  regular  service,  Bolseck  supposed  he  was 
absent.  He  had  hoAvever  returned  with  the  crowd,  and 
stood  unobserved  by  Bolseck  till  he  finished  his  harrangue. 
Calvin  immediately  stepped  forward,  and  on  this  unexpected, 
emergency,  discovered  an  extent  of  knowledge,  strength  of 
memory,  and  force  of  reasoning,  which  astonished  the  assem- 
bly. He  confuted  and  overwhelmed  Bolseck,  with  so  many 
passages  of  scripture,  so  many  quotations  from  Augustine,  so 
aptly  arranged  and  so  pointedly  applied,  that  all  the  factious 
were  covered  with  confusion  for  the  Monk,  who  alone  stood 
with  a  frozen  and  imblushing  front.  One  of  the  Magistrates 
being  present  ordered  him  into  custody  as  a  seditious  person. 
The  Swiss  Churches  were  consulted,  and  after  a  full  hearing 
before  the  Senate,  this  seditious  man  was  sentenced,  upon  hin 
o>vn  answers  and  confessions,  to  perpetual  banishment,  on 
pain,  if  he  returned,  of  being  whipped  for  Lis  scandals,  his 
impieties,  and  his  ill  life.  His  sentence  was  publislied  by 
sound  of  trumpet,  and  being  forbidden  to  remain  in  the  trr- 


72  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1552 

ritories  of  Geneva,  he  retired  to  a  neighbouring  town  in  the 
limits  of  the  Canton  of  Bern,  from  which  territory  he  was 
twice  afterwards  expelled  for  his  seditious  conduct.# 

Bolseck,  finding  himself  an  outcast  in  Switzerland,  went 
into  France,  and  sought  to  obtain  ordination,  first  at  Paris 
and  then  at  Orleans ;  artfully  dissembling  repentance,  and 
voluntarily  seeking  reconciliation  with  the  Church  of  Gene- 
va, from  which  he  was  excommunicated,  previously  to  his 
expulsion  from  that  city.  His  apparent  penitency  made  a 
favourable  impression  on  the  Synod  of  Orleans  in  1562 ;  and 
it  would  seem  that  he  was  entered  on  their  list  of  Preachers, 
as  in  the  records  of  the  Synod  1563,  at  Lyons,  he  is  named 
among  the  vagrants  and  deposed  Ministers,  as  a  most 
infamous  liar  and  apostate.f  Bolseck  returned  to  the  Papists, 
and  settled  at  Autun,  in  the  character  of  Physician,  where, 
by  his  looseness  of  manners,  he  subjected  himself  to  the  re- 
proach even  of  the  most  licentious.  J 

The  College  of  Ministers  at  Geneva,  in  a  publick  assem- 
bly, discussed  the  doctrine  of  divine  predestination,  and  Cal- 
vin summing  up  the  whole  in  a  treatise,  it  received  their 
approbation,  and  was  published  January  1,  1552.  This  in- 
tricate subject  was  limited  Avithin  its  proper  bounds ;  its 
connection  with  other  points  opened ;  and  its  purposes  illus- 
trated with  great  clearness.  This  litigated  question,  which 
always  ajforded  to  the  uneasy  and  unprincipled  a  plausible 
pretext  to  raise  difficulties,  was  now  eagerly  seized,  by  the 
combined  efi'orts  of  the  factious  in  Geneva,  and  in  the  dif- 
ferent Churches  of  the  Canton  of  Bern,  who  were  anxious 
to  blast  the  reputation,  and  destroy  the  influence  of  Calvin. 
Castalio  retained  his  bitterness  against  him ;  and  for  fear  of 
the  consequences  of  being  known,  propagated  in  secret  the 

*  See  Bayle's  Diction.  Bolseck  notes. 

I  Quick's  SjTiodicon,  4th  S)motl,  Lyons,  p.  -Cf. 

\  Baylc,  Art.  Bol!?eck. 


155:2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  IS 

Pelagian  doctrines  at  Basil.     Others  at  the  same  timG  united 
with  the  Papists,  and  accused  Calvin  of  making  God  the  au- 
thor of  sin :     A  doctrine  which  they  might  have  known  he 
had  confuted  in  his  Tr?ict  against  the  Libertines.     To  ascer- 
tain the  true  sentiments  of  Calvin,  and  exhibit  them  fairly, 
was  no  part  of  the  labours  of  his  enemies  ;  and  they  gladly 
sheltered  themselves,  in  their  apostate  pursuit,  under  the 
least  shadow  of  authority  from  some  late  writings  of  Melanc- 
thon,  who,  though  he  had  sanctioned  Avith  his  name  the 
work  of  Calvin  against  Pighius,  had  objected  against  the  16th 
article  of  the  formula  of  faith  concerning  the  Lord's  Supper, 
which  had  been  adopted  by  the  Churches  of  Zurich  and  Ge- 
neva.*    Calvin's  letter  to  Melancthon  will  shew  his  grief 
and  his  painful  anxiety  about  the  reports  which  were  circu- 
lated, for  the  purpose  of  leading  the  uninformed  to  the  belief, 
that  there  was  a  total  difference  of  opinion  on  that  litigated 
subject  between  them.f     The  labours  of  the  abandoned,  and 
the  virulence  of  the  Papists,  Calvin  could  bear  as  a  matter 
of  course  ;  knowing  that  the  usual  procedure  of  those,  Aviio 
wilfully  misrepresent  the  conduct  or  opinions  of  others,  is  to 
continue  to  repeat  them  with  unceasing  boldness,  even  in  the 
face  of  facts,  and  the  most  ample  refutation.     Contempt  and 
indiiference  cannot  always  be  indulged  with  safety  about  re- 
ports, on  account  of  their  grossness  or  inconsistency ;  for  if 
they  are  left  unnoticed,  it  sometimes  gives  a  new  handle  to 
the  propagators  to  increase  their  labours  and  success.     As  a 
general  rule,  Calvin  judged  it  expedient  to  refute  the  false- 
hoods propagated  about  him  ;  especially  those  which  related 
to  his  theological  opinions,  the  misrepresentations  of  -which 
affected  injuriously  the  progress  of  the  pure  doctrines.     His 
enemies  had  plucked  out,  here  and  there  from  his  writings, 
sentences  which,  when  insulated,  afforded  them  the  advantage 

*  See  Theologici  Tractatus  Calvini,  p.  593,  Section  16. 
T  See  Letters,  No.  44: 


r4  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  1552 

of  attaching  to  them  such  a  construction  as  enabled  them  to 
ciiarge  upon  him  opinions  which  he  abhorred.  Being  accus- 
ed of  teaching  the  Fate  of  the  Stoicks,  under  the  doctrine  of 
Predestination,  in  his  reply,  he  says,  The  Fate  of  the  Stoicks 
is  a  necessity  t/iat  controls  God  himself.  Predestination,  as 
the  scriptures  teach  it,  I  define  to  be  the  free  coioiscl  of  God, 
hy  which  he  governs  the  human  race,  and  all  parts  of  the  world, 
according  to  his  immense  nisdom  and  incomprehensible  jus- 
tice.* The  objections  of  Calvin's  opposers,  however  unfair 
ami  unpleasant  to  him,  called  forth  his  acute  and  discruiii- 
nating  powers  of  mind  in  illustrating  the  true  doctrmes,  and 
obviating  plausible  difficulties,  to  the  great  benefit  of  the 
cause  of  religion. 

The  Hermit  Troillet,  Avho  was  precluded  from  the  ministe- 
rial office,  assumed  the  profession  of  a  Lawyer,  and  at  this 
time  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the  factious  and  disafiected, 
in  opposition  to  the  doctrine  of  gratuitous  election  and  di- 
vine sovereignty.  The  question  \\'as  agitated  before  the  Sen- 
ate with  much  spirit.  Troillet  contended,  with  the  force  of 
impudence,  in  favour  of  those  Pelagian  opinions  which  are  so 
congenial  to  the  native  depravity  and  pride  of  man  ;  while 
Calvin,  without  fearing  the  displeasure,  or  courting  the  fa- 
vour of  any,  maintained  his  doctrines  according  to  the  sure 
testimony  of  God.  His  triumph  was  complete  ;  and  his  late 
treatise  on  Predestination,  and  the  secret  operations  of  Divme 
Providence,  Avas  approbated  as  bemg  agreeable  to  the  scrip- 
tures, and  what  Avas  remarkable,  even  by  the  suffrages  of  his 
enemies  themselves. 

Troillet  lived  but  a  few  years  subsequent  to  this  period. 
When  dra^  ing  towards  the  close  of  life,  he  became  anxious 
that  Calvin  should  •witness  his  repentance.  He  declared  that 
his  conscience  could  yield  him  no  peace,  unless  before  his 

•  See  Tract,  Theol.  p.  603. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  To 

death,  he  should  become  reconciled  to  him,  \?hom  he  liad  so 
unprovokedly  and  indignantly  injured.  Calvin  was  not  of  aa 
implacable  spirit ;  the  current  of  his  passions  was  not  swollen 
with  the  sullen  and  interminable  resentments  of  malice,  but 
kindly  affectionate  towards  the  bitterest  of  his  enemies  when 
penitent.  He  therefore  yielded  promptly  to  his  duty  in  visit- 
ing Troillet ;  and  with  the  utmost  benevolence  consoled  and 
supported  him,  in  the  distress  of  his  departing  moments. 
The  confession  of  Troillet,  who  had  so  long  laboured  to  in- 
jure him,  must  have  afforded  the  mind  of  Calvin  a  double 
satisfaction,  as  a  testimony  of  his  ministerial  integrity,  and 
an  evidence  of  the  repentance  and  peace  of  a  former  enemy. 

The  Republick  and  Church  of  Geneva  were  much  endan- 
gered by  the  feverish  malice  of  the  factious,  which  was  now 
hastening  to  a  crisis.  With  the  increase  of  their  numliers, 
the  hope  of  ultimate  success  was  strengthened,  and  they  be- 
came outrageous  with  clamours  and  threats  against  the 
friends  of  liberty,  and  the  laws  which  restrained  the  licen- 
tious. They  procured  the  re-enactment  of  the  old  edicts 
for  the  appointment  of  Senators,  which  however  operated, 
providentially,  in  favour  of  the  supporters  of  order.  They 
removed  some  of  the  Senators ;  and  ordered,  on  the  ground  of 
pretended  fear,  all  arms  to  be  taken  from  the  exiles  resident 
in  the  city,  giving  them  permission  only  to  wear  their  swords 
when  without  the  walls.  Every  thing  appeared  to  be  yield- 
ing before  them,  in  their  progress  towards  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  object,  which  they  had  so  long  and  so  violently 
pursued  without  success. 

Amid  the  accumulating  contentions  of  the  faction  of  Pcr- 
i-in,  Bertilier  and  Balthazar,  Michel  Servetus,  author  of  a 
heresy  against  the  true  Godhead  of  the  scriptures,  came  to 
Geneva.  Having  for  more  than  twenty  years  Avandered  from 
place  to  place  as  a  Physician,  spreading  his  blasphemies  un- 
der the  name  of  Michel  Villeneuve,  he  at  length  publislied 


rp  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

a  tedious  volume  at  Vienne  in  Dauphiny.  Tliis  work  was 
printed  by  Arnollet  of  Lyons,  and  the  proof  sheets  were  re- 
A'ised  by  William  Geurot,  who  had  been  concerned  in  the 
faction  of  Genevci,  and  retired  to  Lyons  to  escape  the  punish- 
ment due  to  him  for  lewdness  and  other  crimes.  Servetus, 
having  filled  his  book  with  blasphemies,  was,  on  the  report 
of  the  book  censors,  apprehended  at  Vienne,  and  sentenced  to 
death,  for  Ihe  heresies  of  his  work,  and  on  his  own  confession 
at  his  trial.  According  to  the  sentence  of  the  Popish  tribu- 
nal, he  ^\as  to  be  burnt  alive  on  the  17th  of  June.*  He 
escaped  from  his  prison,  and  after  wandering  about  Italy 
for  some  time,  to  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  Papists,  he  was  at 
Jengtli  driven,  by  his  unfavourable  auspices,  to  Geneva.  By 
the  advice  of  Calvin,  Nicholas  de  la  Fontain  accused  him  of 
heresy  and  blasphemy  ;  and  one  of  the  Syndicks  ordered 
Jiim  to  be  apprehended  and  conducted  to  prison,  on  the  13th 
of  August.  Subsequent  to  the  articles  of  charge  being  sub- 
stantiated against  him  l:>efore  the  Senate,  the  Popish  Magis- 
trates of  Vienne  demanded  him  to  be  given  up  to  them  a« 
their  prisoner.  After  his  escape  from  Vienne,  he  was  burnt 
in  effigy  with  five  bales  of  his  books,  on  the  Ifth  of  June, 
the  day  on  which  the  sentence  of  death  was  to  have  been 
executed.  The  Senate  of  Geneva  put  it  to  the  choice  of  Ser- 
vetus, whether  he  would  return  to  Vienne,  as  the  Papists  de- 
manded, or  abide  their  decision.  He  preferred  to  abide  the 
consequences  of  a  judgment  at  Geneva.  At  this  time,  he 
perfectly  well  understood,  that  the  laws  of  that  Republick, 
enacted  against  hereticks  by  the  Emperour  Frederick  II.,! 
when  it  Avas  under  the  imperial  jurisdiction,  were  still  in 
force ;  and  that  by  these  laws  his  sentence  must  be  governed 
at  Geneva.  But  the  following  letters  and  extracts  will  exhi- 
liil,  in  the  best  manner,  the  progress  and  issue  of  the  trial  of 

*  LiTe  of  Servetus,  London  edit.  1724.  f  Moah.  Vol,  4,  p.  171. 


155S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  77 

this  unhappy  man,  who  was,  after  all  their  generous  labours 
to  reclaim  him,  sentenced  to  be  burnt,  which  sentence  was  ex« 
ecuted  on  the  2rtli  of  October,  1553. 


«  Calvix  to  Farel,  wishes  health. 

"  It  is  as  you  say,  my  Farel.     Though  we  are  tossed  here 
and  there,  by  many  severe  storms,  yet  the  master  who  go- 
verns the  ship,   in  which  we  are  borne  along,  will  never  per- 
mit us  to  perish  by  shipwreck  in  the  midst  of  the   sea. 
There  is  no  reason,  therefore,   for  our  minds  to  be  over- 
whelmed with  fear  or  fatigue.     V^e  have  now  new  employ- 
ment ^vith  Servetus.     He  thought  perhaps  to  pass  through 
this  city.     For  what  purpose  he  came  here  is  not  yet  known ; 
but  being  recognized,  I  supposed  he  ought  to  be  detained. 
My  Nicholas  challenged  him  to  a  capital  trial,  offering  him- 
self inpoenam  talionis.     The  next  day  he  publickly  alleged 
forty  articles  of  accusation.     At  first   the  heretick  was  eva- 
sive.    AVe  were  therefore  called.     He  roughly  reviled  me,  as 
conscious  to  himself  of  his  crimes.     I  received  him  as  he  de- 
served.    At  length  the  Senate  pronounced  all  the  articles  to 
he  proved.     Nicholas  was  dismissed  from  prison  on  the  third 
day,  my  brother  having  given  bail  for  him,  and  on  the  fourth 
he  ■was  released.     I  shall  say  nothing  of  the  impudence  of 
the  man.     But  so  great  was  his  rage,  that  he  did  not  hesi- 
tate to  declare  the  Godhead  to  be  in  the  devils.     Nay  more, 
ihat  several  Gods  were  in  each  ;  because  the  Deity  was  sub- 
itantially  communicated  to  them  as  well  as  to  wood  and 
tone.     I  hope  at  least  the  sentence  will  be  capital,  but  I  des- 
ire the  severity  of  the  punishment  to  he  remitted.     My  Col- 
eagues  salute  you,  Avith  Budeus  and  Normandius  \^'ho  has 
i-ecovered  his  health.     Salute  Claudius  in  my  name. 
"  Geneva,  August  ^,  1553." 


78  LIFE  OF  CALTIN.  1553 

"  Calvin  to  Sulcer,  wishes  health. 

"  The  name  of  Michel  Servetus,  who  has,  for  these  twen- 
ty years  past,  infected  the  Christian  M'orld  with  his  virulent 
and  pernicious  dogmas,   cannot,  I  suppose,  be  unknoA\n  to 
you.     If  you  have  not  read  his  book,  it  can  hardly  be  but 
that  you  must  have  heard  soraethinj:^  concerning  his  kind  of 
doctrme.     This  is  he  of   whom   that   faithful   minister  of 
Christ,  Bucer  of  sacred  memory,  who  was  endowed  with  a 
mild  and  forbearing  disposition,  declared  in  the  pulpit,  that 
he  ought  to  have  his  bowels  taken  out  and  scattered.     From 
the  first  he  has  not  ceased  to  spread  his  poison,  and  has 
lately  caused  to  be  privately  printed  at  Vienna  a  larger  vol- 
imie,  made  up  of  the  same  errours.     The  fact  being  known, 
he  was  thrown  into  prison,  from  which  he  escaped,  I  know 
not  in  what  manner,  and  after  wandering  about  Italy   for 
almost  four  months,   he  was  at  length  driven,  by  his  unfa- 
vourable auspices,  to  this  city.     One  of  the  Syndicks,  at  my 
request,  ordered  him  to  be  committed  to  prison.     And  I  do 
not  coHceal,  that  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  do  all  in  my 
power,  to  restrain  this  more  than  obstinate  and  ungovernable 
man,  lest  the  contagion  should  continue  to  spread.     We  see 
how  licentiously  impiety  every  where   thickens,    and  new 
errours  are  springing  up  from  this  fountain  ;  and  still  there 
is  a  great  indifference  among  those,  whom  God  has  armed 
with    the    sword    to    vindicate    the    glory   of    his   name. 
While  tlie  Papists  are  so  eager  and  zealous  to  protect  their 
superstitions,  that  with  atrocious  cruelty  they  shed  the  blood 
of  the  innocent,    Christian    JMagistrates  should    blush    at 
their  own  coldness  in  defending  the  real  truth.     I  confess  that 
there  is  nothing  more  inconsistent  than  that  ^ve  should  imi- 
tate their  excessive  fury.     But  there  are  certain  bounds  to 
moderation  ;  lest  the  impious  be  allowed  to  utter,  Mith  im- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  n 

piinity,  whatever  blasphemies  they  please  against  God,  >v]ien 
there  is  the  power  of  restraining  them.  In  the  case  of  this 
man  three  things  are  to  be  considered :  First,  With  what 
monstrous  errours  he  has  corrupted  every  doctrine  of  reli- 
gion ;  with  what  detestable  derision  he  has  laboured  to  de- 
stroy all  piety  ;  with  what  foul  inventions  he  has  entangled 
Christianity,  and  overturned  all  the  principles  of  our  religion. 
Secondly y  With  what  obstinacy  he  has  conducted  himself; 
with  what  diabolical  pride  he  has  despised  all  admonitions ; 
with  what  inexorable  headiness  he  has  been  precipitated  to 
spread  his  poison.  Thirdly,  AVith  what  arrogance  he  this 
day  asserts  his  abominations.  He  is  so  very  distant  from  the 
hope  of  repentance,  that  he  does  not  hesitate  to  fix  this  stain 
upon  those  holy  men,  Capito  and  (Ecolampadius,  that  they 
had  been  associated  with  him  in  the  same  opinions.  When 
the  letters  of  (Ecolampadius  were  shown  to  him,  he  said  that 
he  wondered  by  what  spirit  he  had  been  led  to  abandon  his 
original  sentiments.  But  as  I  trust  you  will  take  care  that 
the  impiety  of  this  man  be  represented  in  its  proper  colours, 
I  will  add  no  more.  I  will  only  inform  you,  that  the  Quest- 
or  of  the  city,  who  will  deliver  you  this  letter,  is  sincere  in 
this  business,  and  will  not  turn  aside  from  the  ol^ject  we  de- 
sire. I  wish  your  old  disciples  were  animated  in  the  same 
manner.  I  say  nothing  of  the  ciffairs  in  France,  as  I  pre- 
sume we  have  no  news,  but  what  is  equally  kno^m  to  you  ; 
except  that  on  the  last  Saturday,  three  pious  brethren  were 
burnt  at  Lyons,  and  a  fourth  sent  to  a  neighbouring  tow  n, 
to  undergo  a  similar  punishment.  It  is  scarcely  credible, 
with  what  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God  such  illiterate 
men  were  instructed  in  the  perfection  of  Christian  doctrine, 
as  the  event  testified,  and  with  what  fortitude  and  invincible- 
constancy  they  were  supported.  One  ef  them,  overpowered 
by  fear,  at  first  swerved  from  a  sincere  confession  of  his 
faith.    Yet  when  he  was  assured,  that  tlje  judges  would  ab- 


80  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  1553 

solve  Ivan,  he  declared  his  base  dissimulation,  and  offered 
himself  with  readiness   to  the   ilames.     In  other    parts  of 
France  also,  similar  burnings  prevail,  nor  is  there  any  hope  of 
their  being  assuaged.     Farewell. 
"  Geneva,  September  9, 1553." 

In  a  letter  to  the  Pastors  of  Frankfort,  Calvin  informs  them 
of  the  fact,  that  a  large  number  of  copies  of  the  work  of  Serve- 
tus,  printed  at  Vienne,  were  carried  by  a  huckster  to  the  fair 
of  Frankfort,  but  being  a  pious  man,  when  he  discovered  the 
impiety  of  the  books,  he  suppressed  them.  He  informs  them, 
that  Servetus  was  retained  in  prison  at  Geneva,  by  the  Ma- 
gistracy, and  says,  "  It  is  your  duty  to  endeavour  to  pre- 
vent this  pestilential  poison  from  spreading  any  farther. — 
The  messenger  will  inform  you  of  the  number  of  the  books, 
and  the  name  of  the  bookseller  with  whom  they  are  depo- 
sited, who  will,  if  I  mistake  not,  suffer  them  to  be  burnt. — 
I  trust  you  are  resolute  enough  to  purify  the  world  from 
this  abomination.  It  is  sufficient  that  I  inform  you  of  the 
fact. Geneva,  August  2G,  1553." 

"  Farei.  to  Calvin,  salutem  dicit. 

*'  That  Normandius  has  regained  his  former  health,  and 
that  the  Marquis  is  returned  from  Italy,  I  congratulate  both 
them  and  you  also.  Besides,  I  liave  good  reason  to  covet  the 
happy  condition  of  tlie  pious  matron,  who  is  freed  from  the 
evils  with  which  w^e  are  struggling,  and  now  has  the  privi- 
lege to  be  and  live  with  Christ.  It  is  a  Avonderful  dispensa- 
tion of  divine  Providence,  concerning  Servetus,  that  he  went 
to  your  city.  I  wish  he  may  be  wise  even  late.  It  would  be 
a  miracle  indeed,  if  he  should  meet  death  seriously  converted 
to  the  Lord,  and  die  but  once  who  has  deserved  a  thousand 
deaths ;  if  he  should  now  strive  to  edify  all  the  living,  who 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  8Jl 

has  laboured  earnestly  to  injure  many  who  are  now  dead,  and 
many  yet  alive,  and  even  to  poison  posterity.     The  judges 
will  be  very  cruel  and  injurious  to  Christ,  and  the  doctrine 
of  piety,  and  enemies  of  the  true  Church,  if  they  are  not 
moved  by  the  horrible  blasphemies  of  this  unpious  heretick, 
by  which  lie  attacks  the  divine    majesty,    and  labours  to 
weaken  the  influence  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  to  corrupt 
all  the  Churches.     But  I  hope  God  will  grant  that  tliose, 
who  are  praised  for  the  just  punishments  inflicted  on  thieves 
and  sacrilegious  persons,  may  so  conduct  themselves  in  this 
affair,  as  to  preserve  their  merited  reputation,  by  removing 
him  who  has  so  long  obstinately  persevered  in  his  heresies,  and 
ruined  so  many  of  his  fellow-mortals.     By  wishing  to  miti- 
gate the  severity  of  the  punishment,  you  discharge  the  of- 
fice of  a  friend  towards  your  greatest  enemy.     But  I   en- 
treat you  to  manage  this  business  so  that  no  one  hereafter 
shall  dare  rashly  to  advance  new  dogmas,  and  thro^\'  every 
thing  into  confusion  with  impunity,  so  long  as  this  man  has 
done.     You  see  the  arrogant  heretick  Bolseck   who,  though 
so  often  convicted,  cannot  be  reduced  to  order.     The  indul- 
gence rather  than  the  justice  of  the  judges,  while  they  ne- 
glect their  duty,  not  only  hurts  and  ruins  him,  but  many 
others.     These  things,  however,  do  not  escape  you,  and  I 
have  no  occasion  to  mention  them  to  you.     But  as  we  com- 
plain of  many  other  things,  why  not  of  this  also  ?     Many 
are  inclining  to  the  heresy  of  the  Cataljaptists,*  ^vho,  as  they 
are  chiefly  the  most  abandoned  men,  deny  that  the  wicked 
ought  to  be  punished,  in  order  that  they  may  m  ith  impuni- 
ty teach  and  practise  their  own  abominations.     They  h  ould 
have  hereticks  no  otherwise  dealt  with,  than  that  they  be 
permitted  to  go  at  large ;  as  if  there  was  no  diiference  be- 
tween the  office  of  a  Pastor  and  that  of  a  IMagistrate.     If 

*  Persons  opposed  to  baptism. 
11 


82  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

tlie  Pope  condemn  the  pious  as  hereticks,  and  his  furious  judg- 
es unjustly  inflict  on  the  innocent  what  is  due  to  hereticks, 
"what  madness  is  it  to  collect  from  their  abuse,  that  hereticks 
are  not  to  be  pimislied,  that  the  righteous  may  be  in  secu- 
rity ?  Truly  in  this  unheard  of  mode  of  reasoning,  they 
\TOuId  provide  for  themselves  and  others,  in  a  way  different 
from  that  in  which  all  the  servants  of  the  Lord  have  trodden, 
that  they  might  join  themselves  to  hereticks.  When  I  have 
read  the  passage  where  Paul  says,  If  I  have  committed  any 
thing  northy  of  death,  I  refuse  not  to  die,  I  have  really  thought 
that  I  should  be  willing  to  meet  the  sentence  of  death,  if  I 
should  teach  any  thing  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  right- 
eousness. I  have  also  added  farther,  that  I  should  be  wor- 
thy any  punishment,  if  I  should  lead  others  astray  from  the 
faith  and  doctrine  of  Christ.  And  I  am  not  able  to  judge 
concerning  others  any  thing  different  from  what  I  determine 

in  my  own  case. — Farewell,  and  with  you  all  the  pious. 

It  is  wonderful  how  enraged  Satan  is  and  all  his,  that  you 
are  not  dead  before  this  time.  I  read  to-day  a  letter  to  one 
of  the  l>rethren,  in  which  it  was  mentioned  that  you  were 
dead ;  and  that  before  your  departure,  you  went  to  Fri- 
bourg,  and  sending  for  a  Priest  confessed  to  him  that  you 
liad  greatly  erred.  So  let  these  Popish  tricks  remain  and 
hold  their  place,  and  let  the  ]Mass-Priests,  and  the  whole 
pontifical  dregs  learn,  how  true  all  those  reports  are  which 
Ihey  spread  with  shameless  impudence.  Not  only  the  old 
Pontiffs,  but  the  young  ones,  and  the  two-fold  Monks,  are 
ready  to  biu-st  with  rage  that  you  continue  to  live.  May 
Christ  give  all  a  better  understanding,  and  preserve  you 
and  that  Church,  and  enrich  it  Avith  an  increased  number 
of  believers,  with  gifts  and  heavenly  blessings.  I  desire  that 
your  colleagues  and  all  the  pious  may  be  in  health.  My 
brother  colleagues,  Casper  and  Claudius,  wish  you  health, 
"  NEurcHATEi,  September  8,  1553." 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  8§ 

"  Bulling ER  to  Calvin^,  Avislies  Iiealtli. 

"  Mr  DEAR  Brother — The  Lord  has  indeed  provided 
the  means,  through  the  most  convenient  occasion,  for  your 
most  illustrious  Senate  to  purge  itself  and  the  Church  from 
the  plague  and  pollution  of  heresy,  while  he  has  given  into 
their  hands  Servetus,  the  Spaniard.  A  great  part  of  the 
Christian  world  know  him,  either  from  the  blasphemous 
books  published  concerning  the  errours  of  the  Trinity ;  or 
from  those  merely  Jewish  which  he  publislied  for  the 
justification  of  his  works.  You  judge  in  his  last  book 
published,  that  he  has  surpassed  himself  in  impiety.  If 
therefore  your  illustrious  Senate  measure  back  to  him,  what 
is  due  to  a  blaspheming  reviler,  the  whole  world  will  see 
that  the  Genevese  hate  blasphemers,  and  that  those  liereticks, 
who  obstinately  persist  in  heresy,  are  to  be  punished  by  the 
4!word  of  justice,  and  that  the  glory  of  the  divine  majesty  is 
to  be  vindicated.  But  if  they  should  not  do  this,  it  will  not 
be  your  duty  to  desert  that  Church  to  others,  and  so  admi- 
nister the  occasion  of  evils.  Contend  with  mtrepidity,  trust- 
ing in  God  through  Christ  ; — implore  his  counsel  and  assist- 
ance, that  he  may  deliver  you.  We  will  assist  you  by  onv 
earnest  prayers.     Five  et  vale,  live  and  Ijarewell. 

«  September  14,  1553,  Zurich." 

After  the  Senate  had  declared  the  charges  to  be  proved 
against  Servetus,  he  appealed^  to  the  opinions  of  the  four 
Swiss  Churches,  to  whom  the  Senate  forwarded  the  charges, 
proofs  and  replies,  with  his  book.  The  following  letter  is 
the  answer  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Zurich : — 


•  Deinde  quum  ille  provocaret  ad  alias  Ecclesias. Opnsciila  Calvini^ 

p.  523. 


84  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

"  The  Mis-isters  of  the  Church  of  Zurich,  to  the  ex- 
cellent Stndicks  and  honourable  Senate  of  the  Ge- 

KEVESE  RePUBLICK,    OUR    TRULY  RESPECTED  LoRDS,    wish- 
ing healtli, 

"  We  have  received,  by  the  messenger,  the  letter  of  your 
Excellencies,  together  ^\  ith  the  book  of  Servetus  and  the  arti- 
cles selected  from  it,  and  also  the  written  conference  between 
our  dear  and  venerable  brethren,  your  IMinisters,  and  Michel 
Servetus.  As  your  piety  required  of  us  to  examine  all  of 
Ihem  with  diligence,  and  give  our  opinion  on  those  points; 
in  compliance  with  your  request  we  Avill,  by  the  assistance  of 
God,  explain  to  you,  with  as  much  precision  and  perspicuity 
as  we  are  able,  what  we  think  and  teach  concerning  the  Unity 
and  Trinity  of  the  Godhead,  and  the  mystery  of  the  Son  of 
God  ;  and  our  opinion  of  the  controversy  or  writings  of  the 
Ministers  of  your  Church  and  of  Servetus.  We  doubt  not, 
that  the  adorable  mystery  of  the  Unity  and  Trinity  of  the 
ever  blessed  God  has  been  firmly  believed  by  all  holy  persons, 
from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  and  has  been  delivered  to 
posterity  to  be  faithfully  believed  by  them,  and  has  been  evi- 
dently asserted  in  tlie  scriptures  by  the  true  Prophets  inspir- 
ed by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Therefore,  this  first  and  fundamen- 
tal principle  of  true  theology  is  so  proved  by  the  oracles  of 
God,  so  confirmed  by  evident  signs,  and  received  by  the 
unanimous  consent  of  the  catholick  and  orthodox  Church  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament,  that  it  has  been  always  consid- 
ered a  mobt  heinous  sin  even  to  call  it  in  question.  We 
therefore  confess,  with  the  holy  and  universal  Church  of  God, 
that  there  is  but  one  Essence  of  God,  and  three  distinct  Per- 
sons, not  to  be  confounded.  For  the  Father,  speaking  from 
heaven  concerning  his  Son,  says,  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in 
ivfiom  I  am  ircll  pleased.     The  Son  is  he  to  whom  the  Fa-ther 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  85 

gave  testimony.  But  the  Holy  Spirit  appeared  under  the 
form  of  a  Dove.  These  are  three  distinct  Persons  in  one  di- 
vine Essence.  Before  tlie  Council  of  Nice,  arose  PraxeaSj 
Noetius  and  Sabeliius,  called  by  the  ancients  Patripassians, 
and  confounded  the  distinction  of  Persons  to  preserve  the 
Unity  of  God.  But  they  Avere  learnedly  and  irresistibly  re- 
futed by  the  Pastors  of  the  Church,  who  maintained  from  the 
scriptures,  and  preserved  in  the  Church,  that  the  mystery  of 
the  triune  Unity  of  God  was  to  be  adored.  Hence  we  per- 
ceive, that  in  the  Nicene  Council,  the  Pastors  of  the  Church 
transmitted  to  us  in  their  creed  nothing,  but  what  the  catlio- 
lick  and  orthodox  Church  had  retained  from  the  time  of  the 
Apostles,  and  even  of  the  Prophets.  When  therefore  Servetus 
the  Spaniard  so  often  calls  the  eternal  Trinity  of  God,  a  tri- 
ple monster,  a  three  headed  Cerberus,  imaginary  Gods,  aiid 
finally  visionary  and  three  spirited  devils,  he  wickedly  and 
most  horribly  blasphemes  against  the  eternal  majesty  of  God. 
By  calling  Athanasius,  Augustine  and  other  excellent  servants 
of  God,  and  illustrious  lights  of  the  Church,  Trinitarians, 
that  is  Atheists,  for  so  he  calls  all  those  who  acknowledge  a 
Trinity,  he  reviles,  with  unjust  and  insufferable  reproach,  not 
only  those,  but  the  whole  order  of  holy  men,  and  also  the 
whole  Church  of  God.  But  that  which  appears  in  this  un- 
happy man  is  to  be  abhorred,  that  he  should  excuse  the 
blasphemies  uttered  by  the  Jews  against  the  Christian  reli- 
gion, and  should  approve  and  praise  the  abusive  Avords  of 
the  JMahometans,  that  three  Persons  in  tlie  Trinity,  or,  as  he 
says,  three  Gods,  Mere.unknown  to  the  Fathers,  and  are  the 
Sons  of  Beelzebub.  What  could  this  man  belch  forth  more 
impious  against  God,  or  against  the  holy  Cliristian  faith  ? 
And  we  pray  you,  what  Christian  ears  can  patiently  hear 
these  things  ?  The  Church  of  God  has,  from  the  begin- 
ning, believed  and  uniformly  taught,  that  the  Son  of  God 
subsisted  from  all    eternity   in   his  own   Person.,    for   the 


86  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1558 

Church  had  been  taught  this  by  the  word  of  God.  Christ 
himself  most  openly  in  the  Gospel  declares,  Before  Abra- 
ham was,  I  AM.  Certainly  the  substance,  not  of  the  flesh 
indeed,  but  of  the  Godhead  ;  according  to  which  the  Apos- 
tle calls  him,  the  express  image  of  the  Father'' s  Person — and 
at  the  same  time,  he  quotes  this  passage  from  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, Thou  art  my  So?l,  tids  day  have  I  begotten  thee.  This 
Son  of  glory.  Son  from  eternity,  true  God,  in  time  was  made 
the  Son  of  man — true  man,  born  not  of  the  substance  of  God 
the  Father,  but  from  the  substance  of  Mary  his  virgin  mo- 
ther, whom  God  overshadowed  by  his  Spirit.  Hence  this 
Son  is  called  the  blessed  seed  of  the  woman,  the  offspring  of 
David,  and  the  Son  of  man.  But  he  remains  in  one  undi- 
vided Person,  having  at  tlie  same  time  two  distinct  and  un- 
confounded  natures,  divine  and  human.  This  is  so  evidently 
proved,  both  formerly  and  now,  from  the  perspicuous  and 
manifest  testimonies  of  scripture,  that  Avhoever  doubts  it 
plays  the  fool  with  liis  reason.  We  therefore  in  simplicity, 
and  with  one  mind,  firmly  believe,  A\hat  we  have  now  de- 
clared, and  we  preach  these  doctrines  to  the  Church  entrust- 
ed to  our  care.  Servetus  is  therefore  again  guilty  of  blas- 
phemy against  the  Son  of  God,  when  he  impudently  rails 
at  the  hypostasis  of  the  Son,  existing  fk'om  eternity,  coequal 
and  coessential  with  the  Father,  as  a  diabolical  idea  and  fab- 
ulous chimera.  And  over  and  above  this,  he  dares  assert, 
that  the  Father  of  the  lx)dy  of  the  Son  was  no  other  than 
God  the  Father  himself,  from  whose  substance  the  flesh  of 
the  Son  "was  formed.  Paul,  the  teacher  of  the  Gentiles, 
taught  far  otherwise,  and  said.  That  the  Son  of  God  was  be- 
gotten of  the  seed  of  David  according  to  the  flesh  ;  and  declar- 
ed to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to  the  Spirit 
of  holiness.  But  why  should  we  proceed  to  enumerate  the 
single  blasphemies  of  this  man  ?  The  faitliful  and  learned 
Pastors  of  your  Church  have  diligently  and  honestly  collect- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALYIN:  gf 

ed  some  of  his  most  enormous  errours  and  avowed  heresies, 
in  the  work  entitled,  The  opinions  or  propositions  selected 
from  the  book  of  Michel  Servetus.  We  neither  find  them  se« 
lected  nor  designated  by  a  spirit  of  calumny.  Neither  do 
we  in  any  manner  receive  or  approve  them,  but  wholly  exe- 
crate them.  For  Servetus,  in  his  answer  immediately  sub- 
joined, does  not  explain  but  involves  the  subject  in  obscurity  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  corrupts  the  opinions  of  many  of  the 
ancients  concerning  the  Unity  and  Trinity  of  God,  and  also 
the  mystery  of  the  Son  of  God,  which  is  plainly  evinced  in 
the  very  apposite  answer  of  the  jMinisters  of  your  Church. 
The  reply  or  gloss  of  Servetus  contains  little  else  than  extreme 
impudence,  and  detestable  outrage.  For  he  so  often  tlurows 
out  against  Calvin  his  mentiris,  you  lie,  and  calls  him  so  often 
magician  and  Simon  i\Iagus,  that  the  bare  remembrance  of  it 
grieves  us,  and  makes  us  blush  for  him  :  Especially  since  his 
work  speaks  out  for  itself,  and  what  he  has  written  when  fair- 
ly examined  testifies  that  Calvin  invented  nothing,  but  that 
Servetus  rather  denies  and  covers  with  <i  gloss  those  things 
which  he  had  said.  We  trust  that  the  fidelity  and  diligence 
of  our  brother  Calvin,  your  Pastor,  and  his  distinguished  me- 
rit with  the  exiles  and  pious,  will  be  too  illustrious  to  be  ob- 
scured, by  the  mean  and  detestable  criminations  of  that  man, 
either  with  your  Excellencies  or  any  other  good  men.  And. 
yom'  Excellencies  readily  acknowledge,  and  declare  in  your 
letter,  which  gives  us  great  pleasure,  that  you  do  not  ask  our 
opinion,  because  you  distrust  the  JMinisters  of  your  Church, 
but  merely  to  obtain  our  sentiments  on  these  subjects.  But 
in  what  manner  you  will  restrain  this  man,  who  has  renewed 
the  heresies  formerly  confuted  and  condemned  by  the 
Church,  as  repugnant  to  the  scriptures,  and  has  made  war 
upon  the  first  and  fundamental  articles  of  our  faith, 
and  in  attacldng  these  insults  God  and  his  saints,  we 
leave  to  your  prudence  to  determine.     If  we  are  not  de- 


8^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

oeived  by  the  similarity  of  the  names,  this  Servetus  stkred 
up  this  great  evil  twenty  years  ago,  and  Doctor  John  CEco- 
larapadius,  of  blessed  memory,  endeavoured  to   bring  him 
back  to  the  right  way ;  and  even  at  that  tune  the  doctrine 
of  Servetus  was  condemned  by  those  who  first  preached  the 
Gospel  in  those  parts.     He  however,  tenacious  of  his  o^^n 
opinions,  in  the  year  1531,  caused  to  be  printed  in  Germa- 
ny seven  books  concerning  the  errours  of  the  Trinity,  and 
other  treatises  in  the  form  of  dialogues,  Avhich  undoubtedly 
drove  many,  who  were  little  versed  in  the  scriptures,  and 
wavering  in  their  faith,  to  plunge  themselves  into  imminent 
danger  of  soul  and  body.     With  this  however,  he  was  not 
satisfied ;  but  having  selected  the  most  pestilential  errours 
and  insufferable  blasphemies,  he  proceeds  to  outdo  even  him- 
self in  impiety  and  blasphemy,  and   to  obtrude  the  most 
corrupt  doctrine  under  the  form  of  The  Restitution  of  the 
Christiaii  Church.     We  therefore  judge,  that  great  fidelity 
and  diligence  are  requisite  against  this  man,  especially  as 
our  Churches  are  evilly  reported  abroad,  as  being  heretical, 
and  as  favouring  hereticks.     The  holy  Providence  of  God 
has,  in  the  present  case,  presented  you  with  the  opportunity 
of  clearing  yourselves  and  us  from  the  perverse  suspicion  of 
this  evil ;  and  we  doubt  not  but  that  your  Excellencies  w  ill 
be  vigilant,  and  promptly  take  care,  that  the  contagion  of 
this  poisonous  man  spread  no  farther  by  his  means.     The 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  grant  to  your  piety,  wisdom  and  forti- 
tude, the  way,  manner  and  righteous  means  of  doing  his 
will,  for  the  glory  of  his  name,  and  the  faithful  preservation 
of  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  Church.     At  the  same  time,  we 
all  offer  your  Excellencies  our  services,  and  commend  our- 
selves to  you  for  that  purpose^    We  have  detained  your  mes- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  «9 

senger  three  days,  because  we  were  not  able  sooner  to  ex- 
plain our  sentiments. 

«  Your  Excellencies'  most  devoted  servants, 

"  The  Pastors  axd  Lectors,  Ministers  or 
THE  Church  of  Zurich. 
«  Zurich,  October  2,  la53." 

The  Ministers  of  the  other  Swiss  Churches,  Scliaffhausen, 
Bern  and  BasiJ,  returned  answers  very  similar  to  that  from 
Zurich. 

"  Calvin  to  Farel,  wishes  health. 

*'  I  shall  now  treat  you  in  some  measure  as  you  do  me  ; 
and  instead  of  a  letter,  give  you  a  breviculura,  a  mere  sketch, 
which  will  not  occupy  much  of  your  time.  The  messenger 
has  returned  fi'om  the  Helvetick  Churches.  All  unite,  with 
-one  consent,  in  declaring  that  Servetus  has  at  once  revived 
all  the  impious  errours  with  which  Satan  formerly  troubled 
the  Church,  and  that  the  monster  is  intolerable.  The  an- 
swer of  the  Ministers  of  Basil  is  judicious.  That  of  Zurich, 
the  most  decisive  of  all.  The  atrocity  of  his  impieties  is 
strongly  described  by  them,  and  they  exhort  our  Senate  to 
severity.  To  theu'  opinion  the  JMinisters  of  Schaiiliausen 
subscribe.  To  the  pertinent  letter  of  the  Bernese  JMinisters^ 
their  Senate  has  added  a  letter,  by  which  our  Senate  is 
greatly  animated.  Comical  Ccesarf  having  feigned  sickness 
for  three  days,  at  length  came  mto  the  Senate-room,  that  he 
might  dischcU-ge  this  wicked  man  fi-om  punishment.  Nor 
did  he  blush  to  ask  that  the  trial  should  be  removed  to  the 
Council  of  two  hundred.  However,  he  was  condemned,  si7ie 
controversial  without  hesitancy.  He  will  be  led  to  punish- 
ment to-morrow.  We  endeavoured  to  commute  the  kind  of 
death,  but  in  vain.     Why  we  could  effect  nothing  in  his  fa- 

12 


90  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

vour,  I  will  inform  you  at  our  interview.  Farewell,  most 
faithful  brother  and  excellent  Minister  of  Christ.  May  God 
preserve  and  direct  you  always.  Health  to  all  friends. 
Ours  salute  you  again. 

«  Geneva,  Octol^er  26,  1553." 

"  The  judgment  of  the  Synjbicks  and  Senators,  pro- 
nounced UPON  Michel  Seevetus. 

"  We,  SyndickSy  Judges  of  criminal  causes  in  this  city,  hav- 
ing witnessed  the  process  made  and  instituted  against  you,  on 
the  part  of  our  Lieutenant,  in  the  aforesaid  causes,  instituted 
against  you,  Michel,  of  Villeneuve,  in  the  kingdom  of  Ar- 
ragon,  in  Spain,  in  which  your  voluntary  confessions  in 
our  hands,  made  and  often  reiterated,  and  the  books  before 
us  produced,  plainly  shew,  that  you,  Servetus,  have  publish- 
ed false  and  heretical  doctrines ;  and  also,  despising  all  re- 
monstrances and  corrections,  have,  with  a  perverse  inclina- 
tion, sown  and  divulged  them  in  a  book  published  against  God 
the  Father,  the  Son  and  Holy  Spirit ;  in  sum  against  al>  the 
true  foundations  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  have  thereby 
tried  to  introduce  trouble  and  schism  into  the  Church  of 
God,  by  which  many  souls  may  have  been  ruined  and  lost — 
things  horrible,  frightful,  scandalous  and  infectious ;  and  have 
not  been  ashamed  to  set  yourself  in  array  against  the  divine 
Majesty  and  the  holy  Trinity ;  but  rather  have  obstinately  em- 
ployed yourself  in  infecting  the  world  with  your  heresies  and 
offensive  poison  ;  a  case  and  crime  of  heresy  grievous  and  de- 
testable, and  deserving  corporal  punishment.  Fcwr  these  and 
other  just  reasons  moving  us,  and  being  desirous  to  pm"ge 
the  Church  of  God  from  such  infection,  and  to  cut  off  from 
it  so  rotten  a  member,  having  had  good  counsel  from  oth- 
ers, and  having  invoked  the  name  of  God,  that  we  may 
make  a  right  judgment ;  sitting  upon  the  tribunal  of  our 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  91 

predecessours,  having  God  and  the  holy  scriptures  before  our 
eyes,  saying,  in  the  name  of  tlie  Father,  of  the  Son  and  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  by  that  definitive  sentence  which  we  here 
give  by  this  writing — you,  Michel  Servetus,  are  condemn- 
ed to  be  bound  and  led  to  the  Champel,#  and  there  fasten- 
ed to  a  stake,  and  burned  alive  with  the  book  ^^Titten  ^\•ith 
your  hand  and  printed,  until  your  body  shall  be  reduced  to 
ashes,  and  your  days  thus  finished  as  an  example  to  othei>-, 
who  might  commit  the  same  things ;  and  we  command  you, 

our   Lieutenant,  to  put  this  our  sentence  into  execution. 

Read  by  the  Chief  Syndickj,  De  ArIord."t 

Extracts  fi-om  the  refutation  of  the  errours  of  Michel  Ser- 
vetus, drawn  up  by  Calvin,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
other  jVIinisters  of  the  Genevese  Republick. 

In  this  work  the  propositions  in  proof  of  the  heresy  and 
blasphemy  of  Servetus  are  stated,  his  answers  and  the  reply 
to  them,  &c.  &c.  &c.  And  the  question  discussed.  Whether 
it  is  lawful  for  Christian  Magistrates  to  punish  hereticks  ? 
The  affirmative  is  maintained  by  Calvin,  and  subscribed  by 
all  the  IMinisters, J  as  follows : 

John  Calvin,  Michael  Cope, 

Abel  Pouppinus,  John  Pyrery, 

James  Bernard,  John  de  St.  Andrew, 

Nicholas  Galasius,  John  Baldwin, 

Francis  Borgonius,  John  Faber, 

Nicholas  Little,  John  IMacarius, 

Raymond  Calvet,  Nicholas  Colladonius.. 

Matthew  Malesian, 

•  The  Champel  was  a  small  eminence,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  walls  of  Geneva. 

t  Life  of  Servetus,  London  edit.  1774. 

*  Se«TractatU3Theologici  Calyini,  p.  511-.59r; 


02  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

Extract,  No.  1. 

"  As  long  as  there  was  any  hope  of  recalling  him  to  a  right 
mind,  I  did  not,  sai/s  Calvin,  cease  to  aiford  all  ray  assistance 
in  private  to- effect  it.  But  not  to  detain  the  reader  with 
doubtful  narrations,  I  will  simply  mention  what  he  confessed 
to  be  true,  only  two  hours  before  his  death,  in  the  presence  of 
many  u  itnesses.  As  he  requested  a  conference  with  me,  two 
Senators  were  sent,  who  accompanied  me  to  the  prison.  Be- 
ing asked,  ^^■hat  he  desired,  he  answered,  that  he  begged  my 
pardon.  I  ingenuously  observed,  that  I  never  had  pursued 
any  private  injuKies ; — that  as  much  as  I  was  able  I  had  ad- 
monished him  with  mildness ; — that  I  had,  sixteen  years  ago, 
oifcrcd  my  assistance  to  cure  him,  even  at  the  imminent  dan- 
ger of  my  life  ; — that  it  was  by  no  means  my  fault,  that  he 
had  not  repented,  and  received  the  hand  of  fellowship  from 
all  the  pious ; — that  I  had  without  ever  exposing  him,  patient- 
ly dealt  ^vith  him  by  private  letters ; — finally,  that  I  had 
omitted  towards  him  no  office  of  benevolence,  until  so  much 
enraged  by  ray  free  remonstrances,  he  poured  forth  not  the 
spirit  of  passion,  so  much  as  the  fury  of  madness.  But  ceas- 
ing to  speak  of  myself,  I  entreated  him  to  think  rather  of 
asking  forgiveness  of  the  eternal  God,  against  whom  he  had 
boen  so  atrociously  insolent,  by  endeavouring  to  blot  out  the 
three  Persons  from  his  Essence,  and  calling  him  the  three 
headed  Cerberus ;  as  if  an  essential  distinction  was  establish- 
ed between  the  Father,  and  his  Son,  and  Spirit. — That  he 
should  resolutely  seek  to  be  at  peace  with  the  Son  of  God, 
wliom  he  had  deformed  by  his  foul  inventions,  and  by  deny- 
ing him  to  be  like  us  in  that  flesh  which  he  assumed,  and 
Ijrtaking  the  bond  of  fraternal  union,  he  had  denied  at  the 
Same  time  the  only  Redeemer.  But  as  my  entreaties  and  ad- 
monitions availed  nothing,  I  w  ould  not  presume  to  be  wfee 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  93 

above  the  rule  of  my  master.     For,  according  to  the  direc- 
tion of  Paul,  I  departed  from  the  man  Avho  is  an  heretick, 

and  sinneth,  being  auTOKXTar^tToi,  condemned  of  himself. 

1  wish  the  errours  of  Servetus  were  buried.     But 


while  I  hear  that  they  are  spreading,  I  cannot  be  silent  with- 
out incurring  the  guilt  of  perfidy.  Tlie  oljject  of  this  work, 
however,  is  more  immediately  to  give  the  reason  for  the 
punishment  of  that  man.  For  those  things  which  were  done 
by  the  Senate,  are  by  many  ascribed  to  me.  Nor  do  I  at 
all  dissemble,  that  by  my  influence  and  advice,  he  a\  as  by 
the  civil  power,  committed  to  prison.  For  having  received 
the  freedom  of  this  city,  I  was  bound  to  impeach  him  if 
guilty  of  any  crime.  I  confess  that  I  prosecuted  tlie  cause; 
thus  far.  From  the  time  that  the  articles  were  proved 
against  him,  I  never  uttered  a  word  concerning  his  punish- 
ment. To  this  fact  all  good  men  will  bear  rae  witness ;  and 
I  challenge  the  wicked  to  produce  ^vhateve^  they  know.  But 
how  far  I  proceeded  is  not  of  so  much  consequence,  as  that  I 
ought  to  refute  in  this  publick  work,  the  calumny  invented 
to  asperse  me  by  turbulent,  foolish  or  malicious  men  and 
drunkards." 

Tractatus  Theolog-'icl  Calvini,  p.  511, 

Extract,  No.  2. 

"  As  Servetus  was  sentenced  to  be  burnt  by  the  Papists 
at  Vienne,  the  enemies  of  Calvin  took  occasion  to  accuse  him 

of  being  the  cause  of  his  apprehension  in  that  city. 

Nothing  was  less  becoming  me,  say  they,  than  that  I  should 
expose  Servetus  to  the  professed  enemies  of  Christ,  as  to  huge 
beasts.  For  they  affirm,  that  it  was  by  my  means,  that  he 
was  taken  at  Vienne,  in  the  Province  of  Lyonnois.  But 
whence  this  my  so  sudden  familiarity  with  the  inquisitors  of 
the  Pope  ?    Whence  this  great  influence  with  them  ?     Is  it 


U  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^       1553 

credible,  that  letters  should  pass  freely  to  and  from  those, 
vho  are  as  much  at  variance  as  Christ  and  Belial  ?  It  is 
useless  to  spend  -words  in  refuting  this  calumny,  which  is 

broken  to  pieces  and  falls  by  a  simple  denial. 

If  indeed  what  they  falsely  object  to  me,  was  a  fact,  I  do  not 
gee  any  reason  why  I  should  deny  it ;  since  I  do  not  dissem- 
ble, that  it  was  by  my  means,  that  he  was  seized  in  this  city, 
and  required  to  defend  his  cause.  Let  malevolent  and  slan- 
derous men  object  Avhat  they  please,  I  offer  myself  beforehand, 
and  freely  confess,  (for  according  to  the  lau  s  of  tliis  city  the 
man  could  not  be  justly  treated  otherwise,)  that  the  accuser 
proceeded  at  my  request ;  that  the  formula  was  dictated  by 
my  advice ;  by  which  some  entrance  was  made  upon  the 
cause.  But  ^\  hat  my  design  then  was,  is  evident  from  the 
progress  of  the  action.  When  my  Colleagues  and  myself  nere 
summoned,  it  was  by  no  means  our  fault  that  he  did  not  con- 
fer peaceably  and  freely  with  us  concerning  his  dogmatisms. 
We  in  fact  proceeded  as  in  chains  to  give  the  reason  of  our 
faith,  and  informed  him  that  we  were  prepared  to  answer  his 
objections.  It  was  then  that,  with  swollen  cheeks,  he  poured 
forth  upon  me  such  reproaches,  as  made  the  judges  themselves 
ashamed  and  grieved  for  him. — I  avoided  all  railing  at  him. 
A7id  had  he  been  in  any  majiner  curable,  he  would  have  been  in 
no  danger  of  any  ncightier punishment.  But  he  was  so  en- 
tirely destitute  of  moderation,  tliat,  filled  with  boasting  and 
ferocity,  he  petulantly  rejected  with  scorn  all  wholesome  and 
useful  advice.  But  the  execrable  and  absurd  blasphemies 
which  he  uttered,  during  the  conversation,  may  perhaps  be 
related  elsewhere  ■\\ith  more  propriety.  This  only  for  the  pre- 
sent will  I  declare,  that  I  was  not  so  inveterate  against  him, 
Intt  that  he  might  have  redeemed  his  life,  by  mere  moderation^ 
if  he  had  not  been  destitute  of  reason.  I  know  not  what 
I  shall  say,  unless  that  he  M'as  so  seized  with  this  fatal  mad- 
Biesp,  that   he  threw  himself   headlong  into  ruin.      Eighi 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  95 

days  after,  I  was  again  summoned ;  and  the  opportunity 
was  again  given  him  of  a  free  conference  with  us.  He  form- 
ed an  excuse,  that  he  was  prevented  by  his  grief  and  anx- 
iety. But  whatever  books  he  requested  I  freely  lent  hira> 
partly  from  my  own  library,  and  partly  from  others.  It  is 
therefore  a  probable  suspicion,  that  he  was  encouraged  from 
some  others,  with  a  vain  confidence,  which  destroyed  him. 
^ 1  trust  that  my  moderation  will  be  evi- 
dent to  all  good  men,  unless  indeed  it  should  seem  to  be 
effeminacy.  But,  as  if  he  had  taken  new  draughts  of  a  poi- 
sonous humour,  he  proceeded  to  insert,  in  ail  the  books  he 
could  obtain  of  mine,  his  insulting  reproaches^  so  that  he 
left  no  page  free  from  his  purulent  vomiting.  Concerning 
this,  at  that  time,  I  thought  it  best  to  be  silent,  and  my  in- 
timate friends  know  that  I  was  entirely  unruffled  by  his  un- 
generous insults." 

Tractatus  Theologici  Calvini,  p.  517". 

EXTKACT,  No.    8. 

^  By  mutilating  the  word  of  God  in  a  foul  manner,  he 
manifestly  proved  that  all  religion  was  equal  to  him,  only 
provided  that  he  could  indulge  himself  after  his  own  petu- 
lancy.  Moreover,  we  entertain  such  a  judgment  of  that 
man,  who  held  only  one  object  professedly,  that  he  took  no 
pleasure  in  reviling  any  traditions  concerning  religion,  ui^ess 
he  could,  through  their  obscurity,  erase  from  the  memories 
of  men  all  belief  of  the  Godliead.  AVTiile  his  arrogance 
called  up  all  the  most  violent  heresies,  yet  he  added  and 
mixed  up  with  them  a  certain  rashness  of  intemperate  zeal. 
The  life  of  Servetus  was  too  dissolute,  to  lead  any  one  to  sup- 
pose, that  he  was  driven  by  mere  errour  to  disturb  the 
Church.  He  had  indeed  never  hesitated  to  subscribe  to  the 
substance  of  the  grossest  superstition ;   but  with  this  great 


96  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

Jiherality,  he  had  never  given  much  care  to  present  himself 
as  a  worsJiipper  of  God.  When  he  was  therefore  asked  in 
prison,  by  the  Judgeg,  from  what  reason  he  was  so  zealous 
concerning  all  innovations  in  religion  ?  he  was  speechless. 
Nor  had  he  any  thing  to  say,  unless  that  he  took  the  liber- 
ty to  be  bold  in  sacred  things,  as  if  to  trifle  Avith  God.  In 
his  trial,  he  evinced  his  impiety  in  the  most  evident  manner. 
He  declared  all  creatures  were  of  the  personal  substance  of 
God,  and  that  all  things  were  full  of  Gods ;  for  in  this 
manner  he  did  not  blush  deliberately  to  speak  and  write. 
We  were  wounded  with  indignation  and  asked  him,  misera- 
ble man  !  What  ?  If  any  one  trampling  on  this  pavement 
should  say,  that  he  trampled  on  your  God,  would  you  not 
be  ashamed  at  so  great  an  absurdity  ?  He  said,  I  do  not 
doubt  but  that  this  bench,  and  whatever  you  see,  is  the 
substance  of  God.  When  it  was  objected,  then  the  devil 
will  be  substantially  God  ;  he  burst  into  a  deriding  laugh, 
and  said.  Do  you  doubt  this  ?  This  is  my  general  princi- 
ple— All  things  spring  from  the  stock  of  God,  and  all  na- 
ture is  the  substantial  Spirit  of  God. The  volume  of 

Ptolomy's  Geography  was  introduced;  in  the  preface  to 
which,  Servetus  had  admonished  his  readers,  that  the  scrip- 
ture account  of  the  great  fruitfulness  of  the  land  of  Judea, 
was  mere  boasting ;  as  the  testimony  of  travellers  proved  it 
to  be  uncultivated,  barren,  and  destitute  of  every  pleasant 
thing.  He  first  said  that  this  was  written  by  another.  So 
bold  a  cavil  was  promptly  refuted,  and  by  this  means  he 
was  demonstrated  to  be  a  publick  impostor.  Reduced  to 
this  strait,  he  defended  it  as  correctly  written.  He  was 
asked  if  he  was  vain  enough  to  suppose  any  authority  was 
superior  to  Moses  ?  He  said  others  had  written  besides  Mo- 
ses.— It  was  replied,  certainly,  and  they  all  agree  with  Moses, 
who  was  the  most  ancient.  How  great  is  the  crime  of  the 
man  who  would  deceive  posterity  by  falsehood  ?    Who  was 


155S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  Qf 

it  that  said,  It  was  a  land  that  flowed  with  milk  and  honey  ? 
And  it  was  added,  That  the  land  Avas  now  a  testimony  of 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  formerly  threatened  against 
the  Jews,  as  is  described  in  Psalm  cvii.  33,  34.  The 
Senate  and  many  other  distinguished  persons  witnessed,  that 
when  he  was  convicted  of  impiety  against  the  scriptures, 
he  slily  rubbed  his  face  and  said,  there  was  no  evil  in  all 
this  ;  and  though  convicted  he  made  no  acknowledgment. 
Entrusted  by  the  printer  of  the  Bible  in  Latin,  at  Lyons, 
with  revising  the  proof  sheets,  he  cheated  the  printer  out 
of  500  francs,  adding  his  polluted  notes,  &c.  He  pervert- 
ed most  wickedly  the  53d  chapter  of  Isaiah,  stating  that  the 
sufferings  described — were  the  mournings  for  Cyrus,  nho  had 

died  to  take  amay  the   sins  of  the  people. 1   omit   that 

when  Servetus  pretended  to  have  the  sufi'rage  of  Nicholas 
Lyranus,*  (in  favour  of  his  false  glosses  upon  Isaiah)  the 
book  was  brought ;  and  though  convicted  of  falsehood,  he 
did  not  blush.  It  was  a  common  thing  with  him,  boldly 
to  quote  from  books  he  had  never  seen.  Of  this  he  gave  a 
specimen  laughable  enough  in  Justin  INIartyr.  He  magnifi- 
cently boasted,  that  IMartyr,  in  his  Golden  Age,  had  not 
mentioned  the  fables  of  the  Trinity  and  Persons.  I  immedi- 
ately ordered  the  volume  to  be  brought,  and  pointed  out 
with  my  finger  certain  places,  in  which  that  holy  man  had 
as  openly  asserted  our  faith,  as  if  he  had  written  at  our  re- 
quest. But  he  could  no  more  read  the  Greek  language  than 
a  boy  learning  his  A,  B,  C.  Finding  himself  basely  caught, 
he  peevishly  asked  for  the  Latin  translation,  to  be  hand- 
ed him.  How  happens  this,  said  I,  since  there  is  no  Latin 
translation  extant,  and  you  cannot  read  Greek,  that  you 
should  yet  pretend  yourself  to  have  read  so  familiarly  the 
works  of  Justin  ?    Whence  then  did  you  obtain  those  testi- 

*  One  of  the  most  celebrated  commentators  of  the  I4th  century. 

13 


gs  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

monies  which  you  indulge  youi'self  in  quoting  so  liberally  ? 
He,  as  he  Avas  accustomed,  with  a  brazen  front,  passed  quick- 
ly to  another  subject,  without  the  least  sign  of  shame. 


But  tliat  wielded  and  hardened  men  may  not 

boast  of  this  frantick  man  as  a  martyr,  on  account  of  his 
obduracy,  in  his  death  there  appeared  such  a  brutal  stupi- 
dity, as  justifies  the  opinion,  that  he  never  acted  at  all  seri- 
ously in  religion.  After  the  sentence  of  death  was  pronounced 
upon  him,  at  one  time  he  stood  like  a  person  astonished,  at 
another  he  gave  deep  sighs,  and  at  others  he  slu-ieked  like 
one  affrighted  liy  apparitions ;  and  this  increased  upon  him, 
till  he  continually  cried  out,  in  the  manner  of  the  Spaniards, 
Mercy  !  IVIercy !  When  he  was  brought  to  the  place  of  pu- 
nishment, our  brother  and  Minister,  Farel,  with  difficulty 
extorted  from  him,  by  earnest  exhortation,  his  consent  that 
the  assembly  should  unite  with  him  in  prayer.  And  truly, 
I  do  not  see  by  what  principle  he  should  consent  to  have 
those  do  this,  concerning  whom  he  had  written  with  his  own 
hand,  that  they  were  ruled  by  a  diabolical  faith  ;  that  they 
had  no  Church,  no  God,  and  that  because  they  baptized  in- 
fants, they  denied  Christ  himself. But  Farel  ex- 

liorted  the  people  to  supplicate  for  him,  and  expressly,  that 
the  Lord  would  have  mercy  on  this  man,  and  would  lead 
him  back  from  his  execrable  errours,  to  a  right  mind,  that 
he  might  not  perish.  In  the  mean  time,  although  he  gave 
no  signs  of  repentance,  he  did  not  even  attempt  a  word  in 
the  defence  of  his  opinions.  What,  I  ask,  does  this  mean,  that 
when  placed  under  the  hand  of  the  executioner,  and  having 
obstinately  refused  to  mvoke  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  he  did 

not,  for  he  had  the  liberty,  offer  some  defence  at  least  ? 

I  think  it  is  quite  evident,  that  as  long  as  he  thought  he 
could  sport  himself  with  impunity,  he  conducted  himself 
with  far  too  much  audaciousness ;  but  Avhen  the  punishment 
due  to  his  crimes  was  inflicted,  he  fell  into  despair. But 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^ 

more  than  enough  has  been  said  concerning  the  man,  other 
things  shall  be  placed  in  their  order,  in  the  description  of  his 
dogmatisms,  where  the  reader  may  determine  whether  the 
man  himself,  or  the  errour,  is  indiilerent  and  syiTerable,  or 
a  vast  and  deep  ocean  of  impieties,  which  weaken  our  whols 
faith,  and  indeed  in  a  great  meastu'e  entirely  destroy  its 
foundation.  I  do  not  propose  to  lay  open  tlie  whole  mass  of 
confused  mixtures,  for  I  perceive  this  would  be  to  plunge 
into  thickets  of  briars  and  thorns,  and  wander  in  endless  la- 
byrinths. It  will  be  most  useful  to  pursue  the  same  com- 
pendious course,  which  we  followed  in  the  examination  of 
the  cause  itself,  that  the  nature  of  the  doctrines  being  noted 
under  distinct  heads,  the  readers  may  perceive  what  mon- 
strous things,  no  less  detestable  than  multiform,  are  contain 
ed  in  his  books.  How  various  and  continued  was  the  verbal 
dispute,  and  then  after  this,  he  repeated  that  complaint,  that 
it  was  improper  to  conduct  the  trial  about  religion  in  the 
prison ;  which  I  ans^vered  was  true,  and  that  I  had  from 
the  beginning  declared  that  nothing  would  be  more  grateful 
to  me  than  that  the  points  should  be  discussed  in  tlie  house 
of  worship,  in  the  presence  of  all  the  people.  Nor  was  there 
any  reason  why  I  should  avoid  the  light  and  presence  of  the 
assembly,  where  tUe  cause  most  worthy  of  approbation  would 
be  watched  by  candid  hearers.  After  all  this,  however,  he 
APPEALED  TO  OTHER  Churches,  Ille  provocarct  ad  alias  J-^c- 
clesias.  This  condition  also  was  freely  agreed  to  by  me. 
Upon  this  our  Senate,  desirous  to  put  an  end  to  his  prevari- 
cations, decreed  that  the  propositions  which  I  had  selected 
from  Servetus'  books  should  be  copied  and  given  to  him. 
By  the  same  decree  of  the  Senate,  he  was  permitted  to  re- 
tract any  thing  which  he  should  perceive  that  he  had  un- 
justly written ;  and  if  he  found  any  thing  unfairly  perverted 
by  us,  he  might  refute  it ;— if  he  thought  any  of  iiis  opi- 
nions unjustly  condemned,  he  might  defend  them  from  tlie 


100  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

word  of  God.  And  that  there  might  be  no  needless  delay, 
I  transcribed  every  article  to  a  word.  He  had  as  much 
time  as  he  pleased  to  make  out  his  answer  to  the  proposi- 
tions, w  hile  to  us  there  was  allowed  no  more  than  two  days. 
And  besides  all  this,  as  he  expected  that  it  would  make  his 
cause  more  plausible,  if  he  made  the  closing  defence,  he 
again  requested  in  writing,  that  this  might  be  granted  him, 
and  he  obtained  this  privilege  also.  But  although  he  well 
understood,  that  the  question  to  be  decided  was  de  capite 
suo,  concerning  his  life,  and  that  the  neighbouring  Churches 
were  to  be  consulted,  on  whose  answer  would  depend  the 
weighty  previous  sentence,^  yet  how  he  continued  to  cavil, 
the  readers  will  see,  whom  I  would  inform,  lest  there  should 
be  any  suspicion,  that  there  is  not  a  single  thing  put  down 
by  me,  in  these  propositions  and  replies,  which  was  not  law- 
fully sealed  and  entered  on  the  publick  records." 

Tractatus  Theologici  Galvini,  p.  522,  52S. 

The  following  extracts  from  letters,  written  by  several  emi- 
nent Reformers,  show  that  they  concurred  in  opinion  with 
Calvin  on  the  subject  of  punishing  hereticks ;  and  that  they 
approved  of  his  conduct  in  relation  to  Servetus : — 

<'  BULLINGER  TO  CaLVIN^. 

"  In  all  places  there  are  good  men  who  are  of  opinion,  that 
impious  and  blasphemous  hereticks  are  not  only  to  be  ad- 
monished and  imprisoned,  but  also  capite  esse  ijiulctandos,  to 
be  punished  nith  death.  Be  not  therefore  discouraged  that 
you  have  undertaken  this  labour.  The  Lord  Avill  assist  yom- 
holy  endeavours  and  studies.  I  know  that  you  have  not  a 
cruel  disposition,  nor  do  you  approve  of  any  cruelty.     And 

*  Whether  the  accusations  were  proved,  and  if  proved,  whether  he  wds 

guilty  of  blasphemy. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  101 

who  does  not  know  that  there  are  proper  limits  to  be  fixed  to 
this  subject  ?     I  do  not  see  how  it  was  possible  to  have  spared 
Servetus,  that  most  obstinate  man,  the  very  hydra  of  heresy. 
«  Zurich,  June  12,  1554." 

"  Melancthon  to  Calvin. 

"  Reverend  and  dear  brother,  I  have  read  your  book,  in 
which  you  have  clearly  refuted  the  horrid  blasphemies  of 
Servetus ;  and  I  give  thanks  to  the  Son  of  God,  who  was 
the  ^^»iievT}ji,  the  awarder  of  your  crorm  of  victory ^  in  this 
your  combat,-  To  you  also  the  Church  owes  gratitude  at 
the  presf^nt  moment,  and  will  owe  it  to  the  latest  posterity. 
I  perfectly  assent  to  your  opinion.  I  affirm  also  that  your 
Magistrates  did  right  in  punishing,  after  a  regular  trial,  this 
blasphemous  man, 

«  Oct.  14,  1554." 

"  Melancthon  to  Bullinger. 

«  Reverend  and  dear  brother,  ■  ■  ■■  I  have 

read  your  answer  to  the  blasphemies  of  Servetus ;  and  I  ap- 
prove of  your  piety  and  opinions,  I  judge  also  that  the  Gene- 
vese  Senate  did  perfectly  right,  to  put  an  end  to  this  obsti' 
nate  man,  who  could  never  cease  blasphemmg.  And  I  Avon- 
der  at  those  who  disapprove  of  this  severity. 

«  August  20th." 

"  Peter  Martyr  to  Calvix. 

"  I  would  not  have  you  be  retired  in  this  extremity.  It 
bitterly  grieves  me  and  all  good  men,  that  against  the  truth 
and  your  name,  they  spread  such  foolish  and  false  things, 
about  the  eternal  election  of  God,  and  the  punishment  of 


102  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

hereticks  with  death. — But  it  is  well,  in  what  they  write 
they  dare  not  mention  his  (Servetus)  name.  As  often  as  we 
are  asked  alwut  this,  both  Zanchius  and  I  defend  yo  ur  side 
of  the  question  and  the  truth  in  publick  and  private,  with 
all  our  strength. 

"  SxRASBURG,  May  9." 

Martyr  had  just  returned  from  England  to  Strasburg,  oC 
whom  Bishop  Jewel  said,  that  he  was  never  to  he  named  but 
with  the  highest  respect  and  honour. 

From  Allwoerden's  life  of  Servetus,  William  Roscoe,  in  his 
history  of  the  Pontificate  of  Leo  X.  vol.  4,  p.  544.  Amer. 
Ed.  selects  three  Letters,  said  to  be  written  by  him,  while  in 
prison,  and  addressed  to  the  Lords,  Syndicks  and  Senators  of 
Geneva.  The  third  letter  only  is  of  any  material  importance. 
In  this  Servetus  expresses  his  views  on  the  subject  of  capital- 
ly punishing  hereticks  and  blasphemers  for  theh  opinions. 
The  following  is  a  translation  of  that  letter,  made  from  the 
French,  for  insertion  in  this  work : — 

"  My  greatly  honoured  Lords,  I  am  detained  under  a 
eriminal  accusation,  on  account  of  John  Calvin,  who  has 
falsely  accused  mc;  saying  that  I  had  written  : — 

"  First,  that  all  sonls  ?vcre  mortal. 

"  Secondly,  that  Jesus  Christ  took  from  the  Virgin  Mary, 
mihj  a  fourth  part  of  his  body. 

"  These  are  horrible,  and  execrable  things.  Among  all 
ether  heresies,  and  all  other  crimes,  there  is  none  so  great, 
as  to  make  the  soul  mortal.  In  all  others,  there  is  some 
hope  of  salvation,  but  in  this  there  is  none.  Whoever  says 
it,  does  not  believe,  that  there  exists  either  God,  or  justice, 
or  resurrection,  or  Jesus  Christ,  or  holy  scripture,  or  any 
thing ;  but  all  at  death,  man  and  beast,  are  both  the  same 
thing.     If  I  had  said  that,  not  only  said,  but  written  and 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  iOg 

published  it,  to  infect  the  world,  /  should  condemn  myself  to 
death.  Therefore,  my  Lords,  I  demand  that  my  false  aGcu- 
ser  be  punished  pxna  talionis^  and  be  detained  prisoner  as  I 
am,  until  the  cause  is  determined  by  my  death  or  his,  or  by 
some  other  punishment.  For  this  I  inscribe  myself  against 
him  on  the  said/^cena  talionh  ;  and  am  contented  to  die,  if  he 
is  not  convicted  as  well  of  this  as  of  other  things,  which  I 
shall  allege  against  him.  I  demand  justice  of  you,  my 
Lords,  justice,  justice,  justice. — Done  in  your  prison  at  Ge- 
neva, this  22d  of  September,  1553. 

«  MICHEL  SEHVETUS,  in  his  own  behalf.'* 

The  ]\Imisters  of  the  Church  of  Geneva  had  selected  thir- 
ty-eight propositions,*  from  the  writings  of  Servetus,  in  proof 
«f  the  accusation  made  against  him  of  heresy  and  blasphe- 
my, by  Nicholas  de  la  Fontaine.  The  first  proposition  is 
as  follows : — 

I.  "  Omnes  qui  Trinitatem  statuunt  in  essentia  Dei,  esse 
Tritoitas,  veros  Atheos ;  nee  Deum  habere  nisi  tripartitum 
et  aggregativum.  Item  habere  connotativum  Deum,  non 
absolutum  :  imaginarios  habere  Deos,  et  illusiones  damonio- 
rum.  Lib.  1,  de  Trinitate,  pag.  30.  Quibus  respondet 
quod  addit  pagina  sequenti :  Somnia  ut  voles,  dirige  oculos 
ad  phantasmata,  et  tunc  videbis  tuam  Trinitatem  non  esse 
intelligibilem  sine  tribus  phantasmatibus.  Tandem  conclur 
dit  omnes  Trinitarios  esse  Atheos." 

In  the  preceding  letter,  Servetus  mentions  only  two  of  the 
thirty-eight  propositions,  the  nineteenth  and  thuty-eighth. 
The  nineteenth  respects  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  is  as 
follows  : — 

XIX.  "  Tria  elementa  esse  ab  utroque  parente  tam  ia 
Christo  quam  in  nobis.     Terream  vera  materiam  esse  a  sola. 

*  For  tUe  whole  thirty-eight    propositioDSj  s«e   Opuscula   Calvini,  pp. 


iU  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  155S 

matre  tarn  in  Christo  quam  in  generalibus  omnibus.  Undc 
sequitur  ilium  non  habuisse  corpus  nostro  simile :  id  quod 
perisde  est  ac  redemptionem  nostram  delere.  Dial.  2,  de 
Trinit.  p.  250.  Quod  etiam  plenius  exprimit,  lib.  5,  de  Tri- 
nit.  p.  194,  quum  dicit  in  nobis  solum  esse  elementa  creata ; 
in  Christo  esse  creata  et  increata,  et  substantiam  Spiritus  Dei, 
ipsi  carni  substantialiter  communicatam." 

The  two  first  periods  of  this  proposition  read  literally 
thus : — "  Three  elements  are  from  each  parent,  so  in  Christ 
as  in  us !  But  the  earthly  matter  is  from  the  mother  alone, 
so  in  Christ  as  in  all  universals."  Here  then  it  may  be  left 
with  Mr.  Roscoe,  or  any  other  advocate  of  Servetus,  to  ex- 
plain how  much  more,  in  fact,  than  one  fourth  part  of  his 
body  Servetus  allowed  the  divine  Redeemer  to  have  deriv- 
ed from  his  virgin  mother. 

The  following  is  the  other  proposition  mentioned  in  the 
above  letter : — 

XXXVIII.  "  Animam  redditam  esse  mortalem  per  pec- 
catum,  sicut  caro  mortalis  est ;  non  quod  in  nihilum  anima 
redeat,  sicut  nee  caro.  Sed  mori  quando  cum  dolore  vita- 
libus  actionibus  privatur,  et  inferno  languem  detinetur  quasi 
non  amplius  victura.  Lib.  4,  de  Regeneratione,  p.  551. 
Deinde  concludit  regenitos  aliam  habere  animam  quam 
ante ;  propter  substantiam  innovatam,  et  novam  Deitatem  ad- 
junctam.     Pagina  sequenti." 

This  proposition  shall  be  literally  translated. 

"  The  soul  becomes  mortal  by  sin,  so  as  the  flesh  is  mor- 
tal ;  not  that  the  soul  returns  into  nothing,  so  as  neither  does 
the  flesh.  But  at  death,  when  with  pain  it  is  deprived  of 
vital  action,  it  is  also  detained  languishing  in  hell,  as  no 
more  to  live.  Book  4,  on  Regeneration,  p.  551.  From  this 
he  concludes,  that  the  regenerated  have  another  soul  than 
that  which  they  had  before;  on  account  of  the  substance 
changed,  and  the  new  Godhead  joined  to  it.     p.  552." 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  106 

Who  wiil  not  now  say  with  Servetus,  That  these  are  horri- 
ble and  execrable  things  ?  And  who  wiil  not  admit,  that 
this  man  "  said  thefti,  not  only  said,  but  wrote  them,  to  in- 
fect the  world  ?"  And  that  therefore,  according  to  his  own 
sentence  upon  himself,  he  deserved  to  die  ?  For  the  benefit  of 
Mr.  Roscoe,  the  testimony  of  Servetus,  approving  and  justify- 
ing the  punishment  of  hereticks  with  death,  is  now  brought 
distinctly  under  his  eye. 

Although  i\Ir.  Roscoe  appears  somewhat  at  variance  with 
himself,  in  the  progress  of  his  writings,  and  sometimes  talks 
like  a  Papist,  sometimes  like  a  Protestant,  and  many  times  like 
neither,  he  appears  nevertheless  weJl  pleased  to  strengthen  his 
assertions  by  the  names  of  Ecclesiasticks,  more  effectually  to 
wound  the  cause  of  the  Reformation.  He  cautiously  intimates 
the  fact,  that  AUwoerden  \vrote  his  life  of  Servetus,  "  at  the 
instance  of  the  learned  Mosheim."  JMosheim  was  a  Lutheran, 
and  the  English  translator  of  his  ecclesiastical  history,  Dr. 
Maclaine,  has  repeatedly  noticed  the  unfairness  of  that  au- 
thor, in  his  treatment  of  Calvin  and  the  reformed  Churches. 
While  Luther  is  exalted  with  a  bold  pre-eminence,  Zuingli- 
ufi,  Calvin  and  even  IMelancthon  are  thrown  quite  into  the 
shade  on  the  back  ground  of  his  history.  It  is  also  too  evident, 
that  IMosheim,  in  his  account  of  Servetus  and  his  opinions, 
has  glossed  the  harshness  of  his  blasphemies,  and  %vith  no 
small  address  laboured  to  make  him  appear  somewhat  dignified 
in  his  errours.  But  the  historian  that  could  slight  and  pass 
over,  as  though  nearly  below  notice,  as  Mosheim  does,  the  learn- 
ed Gaspard  Peucer,#  who,  for  openly  professing  the  opinion 
of  Calvin,  was,  by  the  rigid  Lutherans,  confined  ten  years 
in  prison,  must  be  suspected  of  some  sinister  design  in  pro- 
curing to  be  written,  as  well  as  in  writing  himself,  the  histo- 

*  See  Maclaine's  note  on  Mosh.  vol.  4,  p.  49  ;  and  other  notes  In  vvhick 
^  Warns  his  reader  that  MQsiudm  was  a  Lutheran. 

11 


106  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

ry  of  such  a  man  as  Servetus.  Tlie  testimony  of  Mosheim 
is  not  therefore  to  be  admitted,  without  caution,  in  any 
case  which  affects  the  Swiss  reformed  Churches,  or  their  Mi- 
nisters. 

In  his  history  of  Leo,  vol.  4,  at  p.  117,  Mr.  Roscoe  has  in- 
serted a  very  laborious  note,  in  which  he  has  given  full  vent 
to  his  prejudices  against  the  first  Reformers.  The  reason  for 
dropping  his  remarks  in  a  note  were  doubtless  because  the 
burning  of  Servetus  would  not  synchronize  with  the  death  of 
Leo ;  and  to  have  thrown  it  to  the  end  of  the  volume  would 
have  placed  it,  not  so  immediately  under  the  notice  of  the 
reader.  JMr.  Roscoe  is  a  living  author,  distinguished  by  the 
elegance  of  his  writings,  and  as  a  member  of  Parliament  from 
Liverpool.  Eager  to  grasp  Calvin,  Melancthon  and  Bullin- 
ger,  as  the  victims  of  publick  prejudice,  he  has  pressed  him- 
self into  the  path  of  the  biographer  of  Calvin,  and  of  course 
no  other  apology  will  be  offered  for  the  subsequent  remarks. 

Bishop  Warburton,  in  his  notes  on  Pope's  Essay  on  Criti- 
cism, condemns  Luther,  Calvin  and  their  followers,  as  igno- 
jant  of  the  principles  of  Christian  charity ;  and  at  the  same 
time  commends  Erasmus  for  his  liberal  sentiments.  Under 
the  shield  of  that  gigantick  Prelate,  Mr.  Roscoe  introduces 
his  ungenerous  assertions,  to  wound  the  cause  and  the  repu- 
tation of  the  Reformers.  The  Bishop  however,  who  often, 
and  sometimes  with  dignity,  wandered  out  of  the  track  of 
common  sense,  is  unfortunate  in  noticing  Erasmus,  as  an  in- 
stance of  any  distinguished  Christian  tolerance.  For  it  is  a  fact 
that  Erasmus  did  maintain  "  in  his  Epistle*  against  some," 
(that  is  the  Reformers  at  Basil,)  "  who  falsely  call  themselves 
Evangelists,  that  there  Avere  certain  cases  in  which  they 
might  lawfullT/  be  punished  capitallij^  as  blasphemers  and  sedi- 
tious persons**^     Quid  autem  vetat,  inquit,  ne  Princeps  hosTeti- 

*  Rees'  Cyclopedia,  art.  Eras,  and  Bayle. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  lOf 

cos  turbantes  public  am  tranqidlUtatcm  e  medio  tollat  ?^  No 
one  of  the  Reformers  ever  contended  for  a  power  in  the  civil 
Magistracy  more  extensive  than  this  for  which  Erasmus 
pleads.  The  duphcity  of  Erasmus  should  not  be  dignified 
by  the  term  of  toleration.  For  Avith  all  his  wit  and  learning, 
and  he  had  much  of  both,  he  was  of  a  temporizing  and  va- 
frous  mind,  who  did  in  his  way  much  of  the  work  of  a  Re- 
former, and  still  lived  and  died  professedly  a  Papist. 

«  The  execution  of  Servetus,"  says  Mr.  Roscoe,  "  is  thus 
described  in  a  manuscript  history^  cited  by  Allwoerden  and 
published  in  ir28."  He  gives  the  quotation  in  the  Latin. 
The  translation  is  as  follows ; — "  Servetus  is  fastened  to  a 
post  fixed  in  the  ground,  with  his  feet  reaching  the  earth  ;  a 
wreath  of  straw  or  leaves  is  put  upon  his  head  and  sprinkled 
with  sulphur ;  his  body  is  bound  with  iron  chains  to  the 
stake,  and  the  neck  tied  with  a  large  heavy  quadrupled  or 
quintupled  rope :  The  book  is  gu't  to  his  thigh  :  He  asked 
the  executioner  whether  he  should  torture  him  long  ?  In  the 
mean  time  the  Carnifex  moved  the  fire  in  his  presence,  and 
then  round  the  circle.  The  man  seeing  the  fire  cried  out  so 
horribly,  that  he  greatly  terrified  the  multitude.  When  he 
had  long  languished,  some  of  the  people  threw  on  hurdles, 
he  crying  out  with  a  horrible  voice,  Jesu,  Fili  Dei  ceterni, 
miserere  mei, — Jesus,  Son  of  the  eternal  God,  have  mercy  on 
me.  After  suffering  about  half  an  hour  he  expired." — This 
account  of  the  execution  of  Servetus,  made  from  a  manu- 
script 170  years  after  the  event,  is  of  itself  suspicious.  Farel, 
and  the  other  Blinisters  who  were  present  at  the  Charapel,  la- 
boured, previous  to  his  execution,  to  have  him  sliew  some 
signs  of  repentance.  Servetus,  according  to  Beza,f  said,  1 
confess  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  the  eteriml  God — Ego 
Christum  ieterni  Dei  filium  esse  fateor.     Observing  the  sub* 

•  Beza  de  Haereticis  a  magistratu  puniendis.    Tract.  Theol.  p.  95. 
I  DeHxreticis  a  magistratu  puniendis — in  Tract.  Theol.  p.  115. 


108  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  155S 

terfuge,  they  entreated  him  to  acknowledge  Christ,  not  only 
to  be  the  Son  of  the  eternal  God,  but  the  eternal  Son  of  God. 
This  he  refused,  and  the  Ministers  of  Geneva  state,  in  their 
refutation  of  his  errours,  that  he  obstinately  refused  to  invoice 
the  eternal  Son  of  God — .sternum  Dei  Filium  invocare  perti- 
naciter  renueret.  It  is  not  probable  therefore,  that  Servetus 
invoked  the  mercy  even  of  the  Son  of  the  eternal  God.  It 
need  only  be  added,  not  with  the  expectation  of  mollifying 
the  bigoted  virulence  of  those,  who  are  most  liberally  credu- 
lous as  it  respects  any  thing  that  may  wound  religion,  that  it 
is  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  man  invoked  the  mercy  of 
the  eternal  Son  of  God,  nho  had,  in  more  than  a  hundred  places 
271  his  printed  books,  boldly  called  the  triune  God  a  triple  head- 
ed Cerberus' — a  phantom  of  devils- — a  Geryon  monster, -^-an  il- 
lusion of  Sat  an. ^ 

Thus  far  IMr.  Roscoe  has  shielded  himself  under  the  notes 
of  Warburton,  and  the  manuscript  of  Allwoerden.  But  this 
Knight-errant  historian  of  Leo  X.  must  now  be  noticed  in  a 
more  mortifyuig  attitude,  as  he  advances  to  attack  the  first 
fathers  of  the  Reformation,  by  his  own  personal  and  naked  as- 
sertions. Forgetting  every  thing  but  "  their  violence,"  he 
follows  up  his  favourite  description  of  the  burning  of  Serve- 
tus with  a  position  unbecoming  a  historian,  who  would  secure 
to  himself  the  confidence  of  his  readers.  In  his  quixotick 
adventure  against  "  protestant  priests,"  he  deliberately  ^vrites 
and  publishes — "  What  Calvin  did  not  scruple  to  perform, 
Melancthon  and  Bullinger  did  not  hesitate  to  approve." 
The  mind  that  has  the  least  savour  of  candour,  that  possesses 
even  the  tolerance  of  Erasmus,  must  revolt  at  this  historian's 

*  Plus  centum  locis,  says  the  statement  of  the  Genevesc  Ministers,  Trin» 
itas  simpUciter  ab  eo  vocatur  triceps  Cerberus,  diabolieum  phantasma,  Ge- 
ryonis  monstrum,  illusio  Satanx,  et  quid  non  ?     Tract.  Theol.  Cal.  p.  549. 

Geryonis  monstrum. — Geryon  a  King  of  Spain  divided  his  kingdoM  into 
three  parts,  and  was  fabled  to  have  three  bodies.^Ainsworth. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  10.9 

intemperate  "  calumny  against  the  truth  of  history.''''  Re- 
proachful aspersions,  w  hen  uttered  by  a  person  of  a  low  cha- 
racter, whose  word  attaches  to  itself  some  special  discredit, 
may  be  permitted  to  pass  with  indiiference,  as  carrying  with 
them  their  own  refutation.  But  when  William  Roscoe,  the 
historian,  writes  that  Calvin  was  tlie  executioner  of  Servetus,, 
he  can  havs  no  plea  in  bar  Oi  a  5full  exposure,  as  asserting  that, 
for  the  truth  of  which  he  has  neither  given,  nor  can  give  any 
proof.  In  following  him  through  his  quotations  to  shew, 
that  Melancthon  and  Bullinger  approved  of  what  Calvin  per- 
formedy  the  burning  of  Servetus,  he  is  found,  with  shaIlG^^ 
and  petulant  minds,  picking  up  the  very  du't  of  slander  and 
malicious  irony  ;  and  too  restless  to  stay  his  pen,  with  "  suck 
were  the  sentiments  of  the  7nild  and  candid  JMelancthon,"  he 
presses  on  to  close  the  climax  of  his  note,  by  profanely  quot- 
ing an  expression  from  the  scriptures,  "  and  such  the  Jirst 
fruits  of  the  reformation.^* 

Mr.  Roscoe  is  now  calmly  asked,  for  there  is  no  unpleasant 
apprehension  respecting  the  answer  he  can  give,  in  what  vol- 
ume, and  at  what  page  is  the  testimony  to  be  found,  that 
proves  Calvin  to  have  been  even  instrumental  in  procuring 
the  burning  of  Servetus  ?  Mr.  Roscoe  \f\\\  not,  it  is  presum- 
ed, even  pretend,  that  Calvin  was  present  at  the  place  of  exe- 
cution, or  that  he  saw,  at  any  remote  distance,  the  dismal 
spectacle.  The  most  favourable  construction,  A^hich  his 
words  will  admit,  is  that  Calvin  was  the  means,  that  it  was 
through  his  influence  and  personal  exertions,  that  Servetus 
was  tied  to  the  stake,  and  suffered  the  punishment  of  burn- 
ing. Is  ;!\Ir.  Roscoe  still  to  be  informed,  that  Calvin  interce- 
ded with  the  Senate,  to  have  the  sentence  of  burning  com- 
muted for  some  punishment  less  ignominious ;  and  that  of 
course  he  was  opposed  to  that  kind  of  punishment  ?  Ho\t 
then  will  he  make  good  his  assertion,  by  any  consistent  con- 
struction,  that  CdX\\n performed  the  act  of  burning  Servetus? 


110  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

The  extreme  prejudices  of  this  historian  are  evinced,  by  his 
stretching  a  note  across  the  foot  of  three  pages,  and  append- 
itig  to  his  work  the  three  letters  of  Servetus,  relating  to  a 
fact  that  did  not  occur  till  more  than  thirty  years  after  the 
death  of  the  profligate,  indolent  and  prophane  Leo,  whose  life 
he  has  appropriately  chosen  to  write.  Ought  not  Mr.  Roscoe 
to  have  examined  the  subject,  before  he  ventured  to  throw 
out,  upon  second  hand  quotations,  such  ungenerous  aspersions 
against  Calvin,  the  other  Reformers,  and  the  Reformation 
itself  ? 

A  Review  of  some  facts  relative  to  the  apprehension  and  trial 
of  Servetus  ;  ivith  further  notice  of  Mr.  Roscoe'* s  note. 

Both  in  his  letters,  and  the  exposition  of  the  errours  of 
Servetus,  Calvin  franldy  confesses,  that  Nicholas  de  la  Fon- 
taine proceeded  at  his  request  to  accuse  Servetus ; — that  he 
dictated  the  articles  of  the  charge ; — that  by  his  influence 
the  civil  poM  er  committed  him  to  prison,  and  required  him 
to  defend  his  opinions ; — and  that  thus  some  c7itrance  was 
made  upon  the  cause.     But  Calvin  appeals  to  his  conduct, 
in  the  progress  of  the  examination,  for  proof,  that  his  design 
was  to  lead  this  a^vfully  ^viclied  man  to  repentance,  and  to 
stop  the  flood  of  impiety  which  he  was  pouring  forth  on  the 
world,  to  destroy  the  very  foundations  of  morals  and  reli- 
gion.    He  states  that,  having  taken  the  oath  of  citizenship, 
he  was  bound  to  advise  his  apprehension,  as  he  personally 
knew  the  fact  of  Servetus'  heresy  and  blasphemy.     Calvin 
also  knew,  that  tlie  Papists  had  long  and  bitterly  reproached 
the  Reformers,  the  Genevese  Republick,  and  himself  espe- 
cially, with  receiving  and  protecting  those  whom  they  call- 
ed hereticks.     To  have  done  this  in  the  case  of  Servetus, 
would  have  given  substantial  gi'ounds  for  their  invectives 
against  Geneva,  which  they  called  the  seat  of  heresy.    And 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIiST.  Ill 

how,  under  the  existing  circumstances,  habits  and  opinions, 
would  Calvin  and  the  Reformers  have  been  reproached,  had 
they  protected  this  fugitive  from  the  inquisitorial  prison  of 
Vienne  ?  Doubtless  all  those,  who  now  revile  them  on  the 
one  hand,  would  in  that  case  condemn  them  on  the  other,  as 
the  protectors  of  a  convicted  blasphemer.  Servetus  had 
wandered  about  Italy  for  some  time,#  after  his  escape  from 
the  prison  of  Vienne,  without  finding  any  place  where  he 
might  be  secure  from  the  rage  of  the  Papists.  It  is  evident 
that  they  were  in  pursuit  of  him,  from  the  fact,  that  the 
Vice-bailiff  of  Vienne,  on  the  31st  of  August,  formally  de- 
manded him  of  the  Senate  of  Geneva  as  their  prisoner.  And 
when  this  application  was  made,  what  did  the  illustrious 
Senate  of  Geneva  do  ?  They  proposed  to  Servetus  to  make  his 
own  election^  Avhether  he  would  be  conducted  back  to  Vienne, 
where  he  had  lived  as  a  Physician,  "  ten  or  twelve  years"  ; 
or  abide  the  issue  of  his  trial  at  Geneva.  He  not  only  deli- 
berately chose  the  latter,f  but  with  tears  besought  the  Se- 
nate not  to  send  him  back  to  Vienne.  At  this  time  he  well 
knew  the  laws  of  this  city, — the  progress  of  the  trial, — and 
that  the  Senate  had  declared  the  charges  against  him  to  Idc 
proved.  He  also  knew  the  manner  in  which  Calvin  had  ad- 
vised him  to  retract  his  errours,  and  his  forbearance,  not  on- 
ly under  the  shameful  treatment  of  the  books  which  he  ge- 
nerously lent  him,  but  also  after  the  most  furious  and  mad 

*  Calvin,  in  one  of  his  letters,  says  three  or  four  months.  This  he  said 
doubtless  from  reports,  which  he  might  have  heard  relative  to  his  escape 
from  Vienne,  which  was  before  the  17th  June. 

I  See  Life  of  Servetus,  anonymous,  published  at  London,  1724,  p.  118. — 
Also,  Biographical  Dictionary,  Art.  Servetus.  The  effigy  of  Servetus,  with 
five  bales  of  his  books,  was  carried  in  a  dung-cart  to  the  C/iameve,  and 
burnt  with  a  slow  fire,  according  to  sentence,  on  the  17th  of  June,  by  tlie 
common  hangman  at  Vienne.    See  the  above  Life,  &c.  p.  77. 


112  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

abuse  heaped  upon  him  in  the  presence  of  the  Senate.  "  If 
he  had  been,"  says  Calvin,  "  in  any  manner  curable,  he 
would  have  been  in  no  danger  of  any  farthe  r  punishment." 

It  was  however  the  dehbetate  opinion  of  Calvin,  as  it  was 
of  all  other  good  men  of  that  age,  that  the  scriptures  war- 
ranted the  power,  and  made  it  the  duty  of  the  civil  Magis- 
tracy, to  restrain  with  the  sword,  those  obstinate  hereticks  and 
blasphemers,  avIio  persisted  in  disseminating  their  opinions. 
Nothing  can  equal  the  impiety  of  Servetus  before  the  Senate. 
He  furnished  the  same  proof  against  himself  on  his  trial  at  Ge- 
neva, as  it  is  said  he  had  before  done  by  his  blasphemous  lan- 
guage in  the  inquisitorial  court  of  Vienne.  When  Calvin 
sa,w,  that  he  was  most  outrageously  bent  on  his  own  ruin ; 
that,  as  he  observes  in  a  letter  to  Sulcer,  Servetus  had  passed 
hei/ond  the  hope  of  repentance,  he  expressed  himself  as  fol- 
lows, in  a  letter  to  Farel,  "  I  hope  the  sentence  at  least  will 
be  capital,  bvt  I  desire  that  the  severity  of  the  punishment  inay 
be  remitted.'*'*  "  From  the  time,"  says  Calvin,  "  that  the 
Senate  pronounced  the  charges  against  him  to  be  proved,  / 
never  uttered  a  word  concerning  his  punishmenty  Now  does 
this,  Mr.  Fioscoe,  look  like  malice,  like  the  hatred  of  a  man 
pursuing  another  with  murderous  intentions  ?  If  Servetus 
had  been  guilty  only  of  theft  or  burglary,  who  would  have 
abused  Calvin  for  advising  his  apprehension,  or  furnishing 
the  evidence  of  the  crime  for  his  conviction  ?  But  a  blas- 
phemer may  surpass  all  common  prophanity  against  the  most 
holy  God,  the  divine  Saviour  and  Sanctifier,  and  for  more 
than  twenty  years  be  diligent  at  the  work  of  inventing  new 
and  piquant  terms  of  blasphemy,  and  publish  them,  although 
conscious  of  their  corrupt  and  deadly  tendency  :  This  opin- 
ionist  may  proceed,  deliberately,  to  cast  his  pestiferous  poison 
into  the  very  fountain  of  the  waters  of  life,  that  the  streams 
may  transmit  imperceptible  and  certain  death  to  the  souls  oi 
the  human  race :  But  if  a  minister  of  that  God  wlio  is  so  bias- 


lopS  LIFE  OF  CALVIiN".  113 

phemed  opens  his  advice,  even  when  under  oath  to  do  it,  and 
affords  any  assistance,  when  bound  by  conscience,  to  endea- 
vour to  bring  the  awfully  wicked  man,  not  to  punishment, 
but  to  repentance  : — Then  it  is,  that  the  nervous  system  of 
some  men  is  put  all  on  a  shiver.  So  jealous  are  they  of 
the  rights  of  man,  and  so  indifferent  to  the  rights  of  God, 
that  their  blood  runs  cold,  even  at  the  remote  recollection 
of  the  legal  execution  of  such  a  man  ;  and  becoming  blind  to 
every  other  object,  they  are  prompt,  like  Mr.  Roscoe,  to 
"  challenge  the  annals  of  persecution  to  furnish  another  such 
instance  of  atrocious  cruelty." 

In  the  exposition  of  the  errours  of  Servetus,  Calvin  in- 
forms his  readers.  That  he  did  not  consider  it  a  matter  of  con- 
sequence for  him  to  refvte  the  calunmy  invented  to  asperse 
him  hy  factious,  foolish  or  malicious  men  or  drunkards.  In 
passing  over  those  insignificant  calumniators  with  silent  and. 
dignified  indifference,  he  doubtless  misjudged.  He  had  not 
conceived,  that  his  writings  would  be  of  such  weight  with 
posterity,  as  to  excite  the  continued  hostility  of  the  Papist, 
the  Socinian  and  the  Infidel ;  much  less  of  the  professed 
Christian  moralist.  He  probably  did  not  rank  himself  so 
high  as  to  suppose,  that  the  Perrins,  Berteliers  and  Bolsecks, 
•who  personally  sought  to  blast  his  reputation  while  he  liv- 
ed, would  have  such  a  numerous  body  of  descendants,  Avho 
would  invent  new  calumnies  and  repeat  old  ones,  to  asperse 
him  through  successive  ages.  But  yet  it  is  possible  that, 
from  his  intercourse  with  such  men,  he  did  judge,  that  there 
were  characters,  and  that  from  the  ver}'  nature  of  man 
there  would  always  be  those,  upon  whom  reasoning,  however 
forcible,  and  facts,  however  stubborn,  would  have  little  or  no 
influence ;  who  nill  revile  rashly  the  most  benevolent  defend- 
ers of  divine  truth,  because  they  nill  revile. 

It  has  become  so  much  a  matter  of  course,  with  a  certain 
class  of  Avriters,  to  speak  evil  of  Calvin,  that  the  bare  asser- 

15 


lU  LIFE  OF  GALVIN.  1553 

lion  of  any  thing  reproacliful  about  him  passes  currently 
■with  them  without  either  proof,  or  even  semblance  of  pro- 
bability. The  compilers  of  Biographical  Dictionaries,  Cyclo- 
paedias and  Encyclopsedias,  have  dealt  liberally  in  unauthoris- 
ed assertions  on  this  subject.  In  one  life  of  Servetus,  Calvin 
is  charged  nith  pursuing  him  nith  malevolence  andfury^ — nitk 
brutal  and  furious  treatment  of  him  at  his  trial, — with  dissimu- 
lation and  malevolence  tonards  him  after  his  condemnation^ — 
That  he  acted  in  all  this  affair  from  motives  merely  personal ; 
— and  when  the  candid  reader  casts  about  his  eye  for  the 
proofs,  and  proofs  he  has  a  right  to  demand  in  support  of 
such  high  charges, — what  does  he  find  ?  Why,  indeed  the 
word  of  the  calumniator — That  every  body  believes  this  ;  and 
a  second  is — Tliat  nobody  can  doubt  it.  The  above  charges^ 
and  authorities  to  prove  them,  are  quoted  nearly  verbatim 
from  the  life  of  Servetus  in  the  new  and  general  Biographical 
Dictionary,  published  in  London  in  12  vols.  1784.  These 
unlmo^^n  writers,  who  stab  in  the  dark,  have  been  so  eager  to 
calumniate  Calvin,  that  they  have  attempted  to  dignify  Ser- 
vetus with  the  learning  of  Sydenham,  the  inventive  powers 
of  Harvey,=*  and  the  mild  morals  of  Boerhave.  They  fur- 
nisli  a  specimenf  of  abusive  and  bold  assertions  afifecting  the 
character  of  the  Genevese  Reformer,  which  strongly  evinceg^ 
that  they  have  pursued  him  nith  malevolence  and  fury. 


*  Harvey  discovered  the  ciixulation  of  the  blood,  Etc.  but  those  writers, 
in  their  rage  to  honour  Servetus,  have  attempted  to  credit  this  man  "  of  pro- 
dig^ious  learning'^  with  that  discovery  ;  and  the  learned  Wotton  8ays,  that 
the  vei^  learned  Charles  Bernard  could  inform  him  no  farther,  only  that 
he  had  it  from  a  /earned  friend,  who  copied  it  from  Servetus.  The  authori- 
ty is  then,  a  learned  friend  said  so. 

■\  Dr.  Lempriere,  in  his  late  universal  Biography,  has  detailed  facts  with 
the  same  spirit  as  that  of  his  predecessors,  in  his  short  life  of  Servetus.  He 
has  however  improved  upon  Allwoerden's  manuscript,  by  saying  that  "  VffJ> 
long  hours  elapsed"  while  Servetus  was  burning  at  the  stake. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  115 

As  Mr.  Roscoe  is  one  of  the  latest  Avriters,  who  has  assum- 
ed the  task  of  hunting  down  Calvin,  \vith  unquaUfied  ac- 
cusations of  injustice  and  cruelty  in  the  ciflair  of  Servetus,  it 
is  not  improper  to  request  him,  as  he  has  both  learning-  and 
leisure,  to  point  out,  on  legitimate  testimony,  any  one  sen- 
tence which  that  Divine  has  %vritten,  or  any  one  action  of 
his,  in  the  imprisonment  and  trial  of  Servetus,  which,  when 
measured  by  the  habits  and  principles  of  that  age,  shows 
the  least  want  of  integrity  or  moderation ;  or  which  mani- 
fests any  symptoms  of  cruelty  of  disposition,  or  personal  hat' 
red  towards  him  ;  or  that  he  rejoiced  at  his  condemnation  or 
his  death.  By  that  standard,  let  this  historian,  who  is  so 
well  versed  in  the  knowledge  of  the  opinions  of  that  period, 
name  a  single  fact  fairly  authenticated,  that  proves  in  Calvin 
a  disposition  incompatible  with  an  honest  desire  for  the  re- 
pentance and  recantation  of  those  enormous  errours,  by  which 
Servetus  might  have  not  only  escaped  punishment,  but  have 
been  treated  with  friendship  at  Geneva.  If  such  writers 
will  assert,  that  Calvin  acted  from  personal  hatred  to\vards 
Servetus,  let  it  be  proved,  not  by  sly,  insinuating  suggestions, 
and  unfounded  assertions,  but  by  a  fair  statement  of  facts, 
and  a  candour  of  testimony,  that  will  at  least  convince  the 
imderstanding,  and  do  away  the  imputation,  which  now  in- 
evitably fastens  upon  them,  that  they  are  wilful  calumniators* 

As  it  is  possible  that  Mr.  Roscoe  has  not  read  Tlieodore 
Beza's  Tract  De  hcereticis  a  civili  Mag^istratu  piinicndis,  he 
may  be  informed  that  it  is  to  be  found  in  the  first  volume  of 
that  author's  Theological  Tracts.  In  this  work  is  an  exten- 
sive illustration  of  the  views  and  opinions  of  the  ancient  Fa- 
thers and  early  Reformers  of  the  Christian  Church,  relative 
to  the  right  and  duty  of  the  civil  jMagistracy  to  punisJi  here- 
ticks.  At  pages  94  and  148,  the  opinion  of  Luther  is  given, 
and  his  words  expressly  quoted,  to  prove  that  he  maintained, 
that  hereticks  were  to  be  restrained  and  punit:hed  by  the  civil 


IIG  LIFE  OF  CALVJN.  1553 

Magistracy.  In  the  same  work  it  also  appears,  that  this  was 
tlie  opinion  of  Melancthon,  of  Urbanus  Regius,  of  the  Saxon 
Church,  of  Brentius,  of  Erasmus,  of  Bucer,  of  Capito,  of 
BuIIinger,  of  Musculus,  and  of  the  Genevese  Church.  To 
these  distinguished  Reformers,  the  names  of  almost  all  others 
might  be  added,  to  prove  that  Calvin's  opinion  on  that  sub- 
ject was  only  the  opinion  of  all  other  learned  and  pious  men 
of  that  period.  It  is  also  to  be  noticed,  that  Melancthon, 
Bulllnger,  Peter  Martyr,  Hemmingius,  Farel,  Beza,  Bishop 
Hall  and  others  approved  expressly,  and  in  %\  riting,  of  the 
conduct  of  Calvin,  and  also  of  the  final  sentence  of  the  Senate 
of  Geneva,  in  punishing  capitally  the  man,  who  called  the 
triune  Unity  of  God  a  three  headed  Cerberus,  and  a  triple 
bodied  monster.  Now  would  it  be  agreeable  to  the  panegyr- 
ist of  the  profligate  Leo  to  pack  his  jury,  and  in  the  19th  cen- 
tury try  a  case,  which  occurred  in  the  16th,  by  the  modern 
principles  of  lil^erality  and  expediency  ?  Truth  is  indeed  un- 
changeable ;  but  the  opinions  of  men  vary  essentially  in  suc- 
cessive periods.  The  change  at  times  has  been  rapid,  under 
1  he  influence  of  minds  distinguished  by  acuteness  of  intellect, 
and  habituated  to  sober  investigation.  Calvin  himself  is  an 
instance  of  the  powerful  command,  which  a  great  and  com- 
prehensive mind  may  have  o^er  the  current  of  opinion.  He 
arrested  the  attention,  and  directed  the  thoughts  of  multitudes 
into  a  new  channel  on  tlie  great  doctrines  of  religion.  As  the 
judicious  Hooker  says,  "  thousands  were  debtors  to  him,  yet 
he  to  none,  but  only  to  God,  the  author  of  his  talents,  and 
that  blessed  fountain,  the  word  of  life."  But  no  man,  no 
age  has  been  great  and  perfect  in  every  thing.  Depraved  man 
lias,  in  every  period,  discovered  his  apostaoy  and  weakness. 
The  successive  exertions  of  the  greatest  minds  have  given 
abundant  proofs,  that  the  most  vigorous  powers  of  intellect 
are  at  a  humiliating  distance  from  comprehending  all  the  re- 
lations of  morality  and  religion,  even  under  the  guidance  of 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  117 

revelation.  A  tliousand  instances  might  be  adduced,  from 
Civilians  and  Ecclesiasticks,  to  exemplify  this  statement.  For 
instance,  men  of  the  most  comprehensive  minds  beheved,  in 
the  middle  of  the  18th  century,  the  lawfulness  of  slavery, 
which,  in  the  beginning  of  the  19th,  is  severely  reprobated  as 
unjust  and  cruel,  by  every  uninterested  and  well  informed 
mind.  But  would  it  be  correct  for  Mr.  Roscoe,  or  any  other 
person,  to  assert  that  the  moct  learned  and  pious  men  of  the 
18th  century  were  of  an  atrocious  and  malevolent  disposi- 
tion, because  they  justified  a  principle  which,  in  its  practical 
effects,  was  productive  of  the  most  horrid  cruelties  to  mil- 
lions of  human  beings  possessing  equal  personal  rights  Mith 
themselves.  AVill  Mr.  Roscoe  then,  and  others  like  him, 
complacently  indulge  their  hostile  prejudices  on  such  per- 
verse and  uncandid  grounds,  in  order  to  revile  the  Reformers, 
the  greatest  and  best  of  men,  A\'ho  more  than  most  otliers  of 
any  age  laboured,  with  apostolick  ardour,  to  act  in  the  fear  of 
God  ?  It  will  not  be  controverted  but  that,  in  this  liberal 
age,  there  is  in  a  very  numerous  class  of  writers  a  bigoted  lib- 
erality towards  all  those  opinions  which  inflict  wounds  on  the 
vital  doctrines  of  revelation.  This  is  precisely  that  appropriate 
liberality,  which  the  Senate  of  Geneva  noticed  in  Servetus  at 
his  trial ;  a  liberality  towards  the  grossest  superstitions,  and  a 
zealous  concern  for  the  most  heretical  innovations  in  religion, 
while  the  worship  of  God,  in  all  its  forms,  ^^as  by  him  neg- 
lected and  despised. 

One  important  fact  m  the  case  of  Servetus  has  lieen  passed 
over,  by  every  biographer  of  Calvin,  who  has  attended  to 
that  subject.  Servetus,  after  a  full  examination  and  defence 
before  the  Senate,  and  after  the  Consistory  had  laboured  to 
confute  and  reclaim  him  fi-om  his  errours,  appealed  to  the  Sniss 
Churches.  This  appeal  was  made  before  the  Consistory  had 
given  their  judicial  opinion  on  the  point  at  issue,  Avhetherthe 
allegations,  Avhich  the  Senate  had  pronounced  to  be  proved, 


118  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

amounted  to  heresy  and  blasphemy.  On  his  appeal  to  the 
Churches  of  Zurich,  Schaffhausen,  Bern  and  Basil,  the  Sen* 
ate  immediately  ordered  the  thirty-eight  propositions  select- 
ed from  his  writings  to  be  copied  and  given  to  Servetus. 
By  the  same  decree,  he  was  permitted  to  retract  any  of  hie 
opinions ;  refute  any  of  the  propositions,  or  defend  himself 
against  any  thing  which  he  judged  to  be  unjustly  alleged. 
To  make  his  defence  he  had  as  much  time  as  he  pleased. 
The  whole  case  was  reduced  to  writing,  and,  together  with 
the  privileged  reply  of  Servetus  and  his  books,  was  forAvarded, 
by  the  hand  of  the  Questor  of  the  city,  to  the  Swiss  Church- 
es, who  were  now  to  determine  the  question — Whether  he  nas 
guilty  of  heresy  and  blasphemy.  Servetus  well  imderstood 
that  the  question  to  be  determined  was  de  capite  suo.  The 
gratuitous  reply  which  he  deliberately  made,  on  a  case  so 
deeply  interesting,  is  noticed  by  the  Church  of  Zurich  when 
they  say  in  their  letter,  the  reply  or  gloss  of  Servetus  con- 
tains  little  else,  but  extreme  impudence  and  detestable  outrage. 
It  is  indeed  a  curiosity,  and  may  be  found  verbatim  in  the 
refutation  of  the  errours  of  Servetus  by  the  Genevese  Slinis- 
ters,  in  the  volume  of  Calvm's  Opuscula.  It  is  no  presump- 
tion to  say,  that  in  point  of  al3use  and  scurrility,  this  defence 
stands  unrivalled,  by  any  one  that  was  ever  made  by  any  de- 
fendant, however  infatuated,  in  the  most  desperate  cause. 
In  their  answers,  the  four  Swiss  Churches  decided  the  pre- 
vious  question,  that  Servetus  was  a  heretick  and  an  obstinate 
blasphemer.  Upon  this  decision,  and  not  upon  the  opin- 
ions of  their  own  consistory,  the  Senate  rendered  their  judg- 
ment against  him,  according  to  their  long  established  laws. 

In  the  face  of  circumstances  so  forbearing  and  so  generous, 
JMr.  Roscoe  in  his  note  abruptly  challenges,  that  "  the  an- 
iKils  of  persecution  cannot  furnish  a  more  atrocious  instance  of 
bigotry  and  cruelty,  than  the  burning  of  Servetus  in  a  Pro- 
testant city  by  Protestant  Priests." — He  asserts  in  the  next 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  119 

breath,  that  he  was  "  the  unhappy  victim  of  ecclesiastical 
tyranny  ;"  and  refers  to  the  three  letters  of  Servetus  at  the 
end  of  his  volume,  as  the  sole  and  high  proof  of  the  charge, 
"  from  which  the  reader  may  judge  of  the  cruelty  and  injus- 
tice of  his  tyrannical  and  bigoted  persecutors,  the  Ecclesias- 
ticks  and  Magistrates  of  Geneva."  He  then  closes  his  le- 
gendary note  with,  "  such  were  the  first  fruits  of  the  Re- 
formation." 

This  illiberal  defender  of  liberality,  like  a  true  disciple  of 
Gibbon,  studies  to  soil  the  cause  of  pure  religion,  and  to  de- 
form the  characters  of  the  best  of  men,  while  at  the  sam« 
time  he  labours  to  dignify  a  profligate  Pope,  and  to  elevate 
an  impious  blasphemer.  He  may  however  be  challenged 
temperately  to  name,  not  merely  in  the  annals  of  persecution, 
but  even  in  the  records  of  criminal  justice,  an  instance  of 
more  moderation  and  li)>erality,  than  was  exercised  by  the 
JMagistrates  of  Geneva  in  the  trial  of  Servetus.  Let  this 
learned  historian  lay  his  finger  on  the  page  of  the  history  of 
any  man,  who  has  been  burnt  for  his  religious  opinions  or 
writings,  that  was  not  a  victim  to  more  cruel  tyranny,  and 
treated  with  less  moderation  than  that  Spaniard.  I-et  him  ex- 
tend his  vision  into  Holland  and  Germany  and  from  the  ma* 
Dy  thousand  victims*  who  fell  beneath  the  hand  of  the  exe- 
cutioner, in  the  different  persecutions  carried  on  by  Charles 
V.  and  his  successors,  select  the  most  favourable  instance  for 
his  purpose,  and  the  issue  of  the  comparison  is  challenged,  as 
proof  of  more  cruelty  and  injustice ,  on  the  part  of  the  impe- 
rial  persecutors,  than  in  the  case  of  the  Swiss  Churches  and 
Magistrates  of  Geneva.  Let  him,  if  it  will  not  be  too  much 
for  the  overflowing  sympathies  of  his  Uberal  heart,  turn  his, 
view  to  a  land  to  be  seen  across  his  country's  channel,  that 

•  A  writer  in  the  Christ.  Obs.  rol  4,p.  616,  referxingp  to  Grotius  fot  au-. 
Ihority,  says,  100,000. 


120  LIFE  OF  CALTiN.  1553 

liitle  barrier  under  Providence  of  the  liberties  of  man,  and 
there,  during  the  unshackled  reign  of  infidel  benevolence  and 
philosophick  humanity,  instance  from  the  annals  of  persecu- 
tion, in  that  period  of  full  day  light,  a  single  case  out  of  thou- 
sands that  may,  from  its  mildness  and  gentleness,  put  the 
Christian  ^Magistrates  of  Geneva  to  the  blush  for  what  he  calls 
theu*  "  unparalleled  cruelty  and  injustice,"  in  the  trial  and 
execution  of  Servetus. 

Zuinglius  began  to  preach  the  pure  doctrine  at  Zurich 
in  1516.  Thirty-seven  years  had  elapsed  before  the  sen- 
tence was  executed  upon  Servetus,  which  the  historian  of 
Leo  calls  "  the  first  fruits  of  the  Reformation''^  ;  of  that  glo- 
rious ara,  "  when,"  as  he  observes,  "  Europe  saw  the  lumi- 
nary of  classical  learning  at  a  higher  meridian  than  at  any 
time  before  or  since."  But  were  no  effects  produced  by  the 
preaching  of  the  pure  doctrines,  and  the  translation  of  the 
scriptm'es  into  the  different  living  languages,  which,  with 
more  correctness  and  less  bigotry,  might  have  received  that 
scriptural  appellation  ?  The  enquiry  is  not  put  to  his  can- 
dour, that  would  be  yielding  more  than  the  case  requires, 
but  the  appeal  is  made  to  him  in  all  his  prejudices  against 
"  Prophets  and  Pseudo-Prophets,''^  to  answer  the  question. 
But  waving  the  question,  and  admitting  that  persecutions 
and  burnings  were  the  first  fruits  of  loosening  the  chains 
of  Popish  thraldom,  and  opening  the  pure  light  of  the  Gos- 
pel upon  the  people  at  large,  will  the  result  of  an  examina- 
tion be  such  as  to  vindicate  the  bold  assertion,  that  the 
burning  of  Servetus  was  the  earnest  of  the  harvest  ?  It  can 
be  no  pleasant  task,  in  which  the  candid  and  truly  liberal 
mind  will  volunteer,  to  expose  even  the  infirmities  of  men, 
who  acted  according  to  the  principles  then  commonly  admit- 
ted, ])y  bringing  their  actions  and  opinions  to  the  standard 
which  the  progress  of  more  than  two  centm'ies  has  fixed  as 
tlie  measure  of  toleration.    This  is  to  exercise  the  same  unclia- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  121 

ritable  and  persecuting  spirit,  for  which  the  fathers  of  the 
Reformation  are  condemned  and  ungenerously  reproached, 
by  those  who  are  apparently  ignorant  of  the  corruption  of 
human  nature,  and  destitute  of  that  knowledge  of  them- 
selves, which  would  convince  them,  that  their  own  cir- 
cumstances need  only  be  changed,  and  with  all  their  boasted 
philanthropy,  their  pride  and  selfishness  would  prompt  them 
to  kindle  the  fires  of  persecution,  upon  all  who  did  not  burn 
incense  to  their  licentious  and  bigoted  liberality.  In  decid- 
ing upon  the  moral  quality  of  the  opinions  and  actions  of 
men  of  other  times,  it  is  an  imperious  duty  to  examine  tlie 
civil  and  religious  circumstances  in  which  they  lived ;  to 
weigh  well  the  habits  and  even  the  prejudices  under  which 
they  laboured,  the  rules  of  right  and  wrong,  of  commenda- 
tion and  blame,  which  they  adopted,  and  tlie  degrees  of 
knowledge  w  hich  enlightened  their  path,  so  as  not  to  exact 
from  them  the  use  of  talents  which  they  did  not  possess. 
True  liberality  will  restrict  the  enquiry  to  this  point, 
Did  they  act  consistently  with  their  avowed  principles,  and 
conscientiously  in  respect  to  the  will  of  God  ? 

The  subject  is  with  reluctance  pursued :  but  the  state- 
ment of  some  facts  may  remind  those  persons  who  may  ea- 
sily forget,  or  who  perhaps  do  not  know,  that  while  they  so  vi- 
olently impugn,  and  so  falsely  accuse  Calvin,  they  reproach., 
at  the  same  breath,some  of  the  highest  Dignitaries,  and  most  re- 
spectable Civilians  of  the  English  Church.  Those  distinguish- 
ed men  preceded  the  Genevese  in  burning  heretic ks ;  and 
they  doubtless  acted  with  more  integrity  than  those  who, 
at  this  time  of  day,  revile  them,  with  selected  epithets,  for 
punishing  with  death  obstinate  offenders  against  the  autho- 
rity of  God.  As  Mr.  Roscoe,  with  all  his  learning,  appears 
to  be  unread  in  the  English  aimals  of  persecution,  he  may  v.ith 
deference  be  asked  to  examine  a  page  or  two  in  Bishop  Bur- 
net's "  Hhtor/f  of  the  Reformation  of  ihe  Chvrch  of  F.irg- 

16 


122  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1555 

haid,'^  vol.  2,  p.  105 — 107,  anno  1549.  Ample  credit  is 
due  to  the  authority  of  Dr.  Burnet.  In  following  him,  the 
reader  feels  a  confidence  that  he  shall  not  designedly  be  led 
astray  ;  and  is  liberated  from  those  doubts  and  suspicions 
of  fallacy,  Avhich  spring  up  and  trouble  him  as  he  advances 
over  the  pages  of  some  more  elegant  historians.  "  On  the 
12th  of  April,  151:9,"  on  complaint  against  those  who  went 
under  the  name  of  Anabaptists,  "  for  disseminating  their  er- 
rours  and  making  proselytes,  a  commission  was  ordered  for 
the  Arcliljishop  of  Canterbury^  the  Bishops  of  Ely^  Worces- 
ter, Westminster,  Chichester,  Lincoln  and  Rochester,  Sir  Wil~ 
Ham  Petre,  Sir  Thomas  Smith,  Dr.  Cox,  Dr.  May  and  some 
others,  (three  of  them  being  a  quorum,)  to  examine  and 
search  after  all  Anabaptists,  hereticks,  or  contemners  of  the 
Common  Prayer.  They  were  to  endeavour  to  reclaim  them, 
lo  enjoin  them  penance,  and  give  them  absolution :  or,  if 
they  Avere  obstinate,  to  excommunicate  and  imprison  them, 
and  to  deliver  them  over  to  the  secular  power  to  be  fur- 
ther proceeded  against." 

*'  Some  tradesmen  in  London  were  brought  before  these 
Commissioners  in  JMay."  They  abjured  their  former  opi- 
nions, and  were  acquitted.  "  One  of  those  was  ordered  to 
carry  a  faggot,  next  Sabbath,  at  St.  Paul's,  where  there 
should  be  a  sermon  setting  forth  his  heresy.* — But  there 
w  as  anotlier  of  these  extremely  obstinate,  Joan  Bocher,  com- 
monly called  Joan  of  Kent."  Her  errour  in  short  was, — 
♦*  That  she  denied  that  Jesus  Clu'ist  took  his  flesh  of  the 
Virgin  3Iary,  because  her  flesh  was  sinful.  They  took  much 
pains,  and  held  many  conferences  with  her.  But  she  was 
so  extravagantly  conceited  of  her  own  notions,  that  she  re- 
jected all  they  said  with  scorn  ;  whereupon  she  was  adjudg- 

*  Strype,  in  _  his  Annals,  calls  this  man  by  the  name  of  Putto.  The  Uw 
for  carrying  the /afjof  to  the  Church  was  enacted  in  1 545,  under  Heiuy 
■^111^— Neal's  Hist.  Puritans,  vol.  1,  p.  27,  quarto  edit. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  12S 

ed  an  obstinate  heretick,  and  so  left  to  the  secular  poner.''^ 
The  young  King,  Edward  VI.  refused  to  sign  the  -warrant 
de  comburendOf  for  burning  her.  Cranmer  and  Ridley  took 
the  woman  into  custody  to  their  own  houses  to  reclaim  her  •, 
fout  she  persisted  with  contemptuous  jeers  and  insolence : 
and  on  the  reiterated  and  strong  solicitations  of  Cranmer, 
the  King  signed  the  warrant,  and  she  was  burnt  on  the  2d 
of  May,  1550.     "  Bishop  Scory  preaching  at  her  burning." 

"  On  the  6th  of  April,  1551,  George  Van  Pare,  a  Dutcli- 
man,  was  condemned  in  the  same  manner  that  Joan  of  Kent 
was,  and  on  the  25th  of  April,  was  burnt  at  Smitlifield, 
His  accusation  was  for  maintainmg.  That  God  the  Father 
was  only  God,  and  that  Christ  Avas  not  very  God.  He  was 
dealt  with  long  to  abjure,  but  a\  ould  not.  One  thing  was 
certain,"  adds  the  candid  Burnet,  "  That  ivhat  Cranmer  did 
in  this  matter  flowed  from  no  cruelty  in  him ;  no  man  being 
further  from  that  black  disposition  of  mind ;  but  it  n as  truly 
the  effect  of  those  principles  by  which  he  governed  himself .^^ 
To  this  every  ingenuous  mind  assents,  and  finds  a  pleasur*^ 
in  tracing  the  Primate's  conduct  up  to  a  cause,  adequate  to 
the  effect,  without  resorting  to  cruelty  of  disposition,  or  ma- 
lignancy of  heart. 

The  question  is  now  put  to  i\Ir.  Roscoe,  "WTiether  the 
English  annals  of  persecution,  of  prior  date  by  tluee  years, 
do  not  furnish  instances  in  Joan  of  Kent  and  George  Van 
Pare,  "  of  more  bigotry  and  cruelty",  than  the  case  of  Serve- 
tus  ?  Let  the  words  on  which  the  accusation,  against  that 
man  or  that  woman,  was  founded,  be  compared  with  the 
thhty-eight  propositions,  selected  from  Scrvetus'  writings. 
Compare  too  the  circumstances  of  the  proceedings  of  the  ec- 
clesiastical court  of  Commissioners,  A\ho  were  to  enquire  af- 
ter delinquents,  and  the  secular  judicatory,  sentencing  upon 
the  then  vague  principles  of  common  law  in  England,  v,ith 
those  of  the  Syndicks  and   Senate  of  Geneva,  guided   by 


124!  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

the  statute  laws  of  that  Republick.  And  were  there  any 
records  to  be  relied  on,  detailing  the  manner  of  execution, 
no  doubt  but  that  both  at  Smithfield  and  the  Cliampel, 
the  spectacle  would  be  equally  painful.  While  it  is  free- 
ly granted  that,  under  the  habits  of  those  times,  Cranmer 
acted  with  the  strictest  integrity,  see  this  venerable  Arch- 
bishop pleading  at  successive  times  before  young  Edward, 
•with  all  his  eloquence  and  arguments,  to  induce  him  to 
sign  the  warrant  for  burning  Joan  of  Kent ;  and  the  King 
yielding  at  last,  "  7vith  tears  in  his  eyes,  saying  to  Cran- 
mer, that  if  he  did  nrong,  since  it  was  in  submission  to  his 
authoritij,  he  should  ansiver  for  it  to  God^* 

Mr.  Roscoe  may  now  be  requested  for  a  moment  tff 
observe  Calvin,  entering  the  Senate  of  Geneva,  after  their 
sentence  upon  Ser  etus,  grounded  on  the  decision  of  the 
four  S^N'iss  Churches,  and  pleading  before  that  body,  that 
the  punishment  of  Seroctus  might  be  mitigated  and  rendered 
I'jss  severe — T/iat  the  sentence  of  burning  might  be  commw- 
ted  for  some  punishment  less  ignominious— .f 

*  Bishop  Burnet's  llist.  Reform,  p.  106. — Btimet  says  "that  people  had 
believed  thiit  all  the  statutes  foi>  burning  hereticks  had  been  repealed.  But 
now  it  was  formd,  that  repealing  the  statutes  did  not  take  away  that  which 
was  grounded  on  a  writ  nt  common  latvy 

f  Ptcuce  t'(?co  atrociiatem  remittere  cupio. — Genus  mortis  conati  sumiu 
viufare,  sed  frimtra. — Epist.  ad  Farellura,  Aug.  20,  ct  Oct.  26, 1553.  Some 
•,'*1io  lai)our  to  fix  upon  Calvin  every  thing  whicli  the  Senate  did,  assert  tliat 
ais  influence  was  powerful  with  that  body.  The  Syndicks  and  Senate  of 
Geneva  were  annually  elected.  In  1.553,  Perrinwasone  of  the  Syndicks, 
and  Bertelici-,  who  is  said  by  Bcza  to  have  excited  Servetus  personally  to 
abuse  Cahln  when  before  the  Senate  as  a  witness,  was  clerk  of  the  lower 
Court,  and  had  been  .ibout  six  months  before  the  trial  of  Servetus  excom- 
municated. Tlie  majority  of  the  Senate  at  this  verii  time  were  under  the 
influence  of  the  Perrin  and  Bertelier  faction,  as  will  abundantly  appear  in 
the  subsequent  details  of  their  proceedings,  in  August  and  September  of 
this  year,  wlien  they  voted,  in  the  face  of  Calvin  and  the  Consistory,  that 
Perttlier  should  be  admitted  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  It  may  be  asked  where, 
and  in  what,  respect,  Calvin  had  any  influence  over  the  Senate  that  cOnUem- 


1553  r.fFE  OF  CALVIN.  125 

Here  is  no  deception,  Mr.  Roscoe.  Calvin  did  in  fact  in- 
tercede for  his  bitterest  enemy.  A  historian  must  abide  by 
facts,  whatever  may  Ije  llie  hostility  of  his  prejudices 
against  their  tendency  and  effect.  There  is  no  Mish  obtru- 
sively to  "^vound  your  reputation  as  an  autlior,  or  your  feel- 
ings as  a  man.  But  have  you  not  been  luiinformed  on  this 
subject,  and  misguided  by  unwary  prejudice  ;  or  jirompted 
perhaps  by  opposition  to  the  sentiments  of  Calvinists,  to  make 
bold  and  unauthorized,  nay  even  most  disingenuous  assertions 
concerning  the  Reformer  of  Geneva  ?  If  Cranmer,  as  Burnet 
says,  and  can  his  declaration  be  disproved  on  the  whole,  "  7vas 
a  pattern  of  humility,  meekness  and  charity,^'' >'^ — how  amiable 
m  these  respects,  and  how  dignified  in  the  above  comparison, 
must  be  the  character  of  Calvin  ? 

Compare  moreover  the  dates  of  the  burnings  in  England 
with  the  single  one  in  Geneva,  and  if  you,  Su',  still  abide  by 
your  assertion,  that  the  fikst  fruits  of  the  Reformation  Avere 
persecution  and  burning  for  heresy,  or  the  exercise  of  pri- 
vate judgment,  it  may  at  least  ])e  expected,  that  you  m  ill 
lionourably  declare,  that  they  were  gathered  at  Smithfield 
in  England,  three  years  Jjefore  they  were  reaped  on  the 
Champel  of  Geneva. 

In  taking  leave  of  the  note  of  the  learned  and  elegant  his- 
torian of  the  Pontifiicate  of  Leo,  it  Avould  be  pleasant  to  be 
liberated  from  those  mortifying  investigations,  which  bring 
into  view  evidences  of  the  weakness  of  man.  But  the  duly 
becomes  imperious,  so  far  forth,  as  to  prove,  that  persecu- 
tion for  opinion's  sake  was  so  strongly  supported  by  the  habits 
of  the  16th  century,  that  even  a  minor  sect,  accounted  lieret- 

ned  Serretiis  ?  It  must  be  admitted,  that  tlie  Senate,  ■who  refused,  at  Cal- 
vin's request,  to  mitigate  and  change  the  punishment  of  Scrvctus,  were  un- 
•ter  the  control  of  Perrin,  and  not  of  Calvin. 

"'  Hist.  Reform.  Vol.  o,  p.  25a 


Jl^ 


126  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  •  1553 

ical  by  all  other?,  and  who  bitterly  inveighed  against  civil 
restraints  on  private  judgment,  when  themselves  were  expos- 
ed, Avere  nevertheless  equally  prompt  to  use  the  coercive 
power  of  the  Magistracy,  when  they  could  command  its  di- 
rection to  the  punishment  of  those,  whose  opinions  they  con- 
sidered as  injurious  to  the  promotion  of  their  own  scheme. 

The  followers  of  Faustus  Socinus  have  long  indulged,  Avith 
an  imposing-  confidence,  and  an  assiduity  of  repetition,  a  spi- 
rit of  calumny,  which  has  been  doubtless  successful  in  pre- 
judicing some  minds  against  the  name  and  Avritings  of  Calvin. 
It  is  however  a  fact,  that  Faustus  Socinus,  the  man  Avho  gives 
the  name  to  the  sect  of  Socinians,  nas  himself  a  persecutor. 
Not  of  one,  indeed,  who  in  his  estimation  blasphemed  the 
triune  Godhead,  and  reviled,  with  unparalleled  impiety,  the 
scriptures,  and  every  doctrine  of  the  scriptures ;  but  of  Fran- 
cis David,  superintend  ant  of  the  Unitarian  Churches  in  Tran- 
sylvania. "  David  opposed  Socinus  in  the  notion  of  giving 
Avorship  to  Jesus  Christ."  Both  Socinus  and  David  profes- 
sed to  hold  that  Jesus  Christ  Avas  a  mere  man.  David  urged, 
that  it  Avas  as  unlawful  to  pray  to  him  as  to  the  Virgin  Ma- 
ry, or  any  of  the  Popish  Saints.  Of  course  David,  in  refu- 
sing to  give  divine  Avorship  to  Christ,  acted  consistently  Avith 
his  OAvn  avoAved  principles.  Socinus  supposed,  that  to  avoAv 
this  openly  would  expose  their  sect  to  odium,  and  prevent  its 
progress.  Socinus  Avas  hypocritical,  and  made  it  a  mere 
question  of  expediency ;  while  David  made  it  a  question  of 
conscience;  and  persisting  to  teach  his  opinion  freely,  he 
Avas  persecuted,  by  Socinus  and  his  associates,  and  throAvn  in- 
to prison,  ])y  order  of  the  Prince,  Battori,  "  Avhere  he  lan- 
guished for  six  years  until  his  death,  Avhich  happened  Nov. 
15,  lofO."  Socinus  Avas  the  contriver  of  his  imprisonment, 
Avhich  was  the  occasion  of  his  death.  This  should  silence 
the  Socinians  in  their  reproaclies  against  Calvin  ;  "  Avhen," 
a*;  Lc  Clerk  says,  "  nothing  can  be  said  against  that  Reformer 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  127 

which  will  not  bear  as  hard  upon  their  own  Patriarch,''^  So- 
cinus.# 

With  propriety  then  the  Socinians  may  be  requested  to 
direct  their  attention,  and  bestow  their  sympathy,  upon  a 
conscientious  brother  who  died  in  prison,  a  lingering  death, 
under  the  oppressive  and  persecuting  influence  of  the  father 
of  his  sect.  The  candid  mind  will  call  into  exercise  the 
feelings  of  compassion ;  and  be  thankful  for  the  superior 
light  now  enjoyed  on  the  subject  of  persecution  for  the  sake 
of  opinions.  The  spirit  of  Clnistianity  will  lead  her  disci- 
ples to  mourn  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  as  the  source 
of  errour,  and  the  origin  of  civil  punishments  for  private 
sentiments.  Let  the  Socinian  beware,  lest  from  the  virulent 
reproaches  which  he  may  cast  upon  others,  he  should  give 
just  occasion  for  the  observation,  that  under  the  restraints 
of  the  nineteenth  century,  the  form  of  persecution  is  chang- 
ed, while  the  spirit  of  it  remains,  and  would  be  ready  to  ex- 
press itself  under  given  circumstances,  with  the  same  exter- 
minating intemperance  as  in  other  times.  Indeed,  it  must 
be  admitted,  that  no  man,  who  knows  his  own  heart,  and 
has  candour  enough  to  avow  its  propensities,  will  say  that 
Trajan,  or  Pliny,  or  Innocent  III.,f  or  Socinus,  or  Cranraer, 
or  Calvin,  and  a  host  of  other  learned  men,  were  either  na- 
tiu:ally  or  habitually  inclined,  with  any  peculiar  malice,  to 
pursue  and  destroy  others  merely  for  their  opinions. 

For  more  than  fifty  years  after  the  death  of  Calvin,  no  in- 
stance could  be  found  of  any  respectable  writer,  who  censur- 
ed him  respecting  the  execution  of  Servetus.  On  the  pub- 
lication of  Calvin's  Epistles  by  Theodore  Beza,  in  1575,  Je- 

*  Dupin  Eccles.  Hist.  16th  cent.  b.  4,  p.  417.  Rees'  Cyclopjed.  Art. 
Fran.  David.  New  Biog.  Diction.  Art.  Socinus.  Mosh.  Eccles.  Hist.  vol.  4,. 
p.  200,  note.    Fuller's  Letters,  Cal.  and  Socin.  compared,  p.  145. 

f  Innocent  m.  This  Pope  is  said  to  have  first  introduced  the  punish- 
ment of  hereticks  by  byrning^,  in  the  beginning  of  the  13th  century. 


128  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

rome  Bolseck  took  offence  at  the  account  ■nhicli  had  been 
given  of  his  conduct  and  opinions  in  some  of  those  letters. 
Bolseck,  at  that  time  having  turned  back  to  the  Papists, 
wrote  a  life  of  Calvin  for  the  sole  purpose  of  blasting  his 
name.  But  however  destitute  of  principle,  and  prompted 
by  revenge  to  invent  the  most  daring  falsehoods,  he  no 
where,  it  is  asserted,  accused  Calvin  of  personal  hatred  to- 
wards Servetus,  or  cast  any  blame  upon  him  for  what  he 
did  in  advising  the  prosecution  against  him. 

Maimbourg,  a  Jesuit,  wrote  a  history  of  Calvinism,  in 
which,  with  all  his  Popish  partialities  and  misrepresentations, 
he  says  nothing  on  that  subject. 

DupiN,  another  Papist,  in  his  Ecclesiastical  History,  does 
not  even  name  Servetus  in  his  life  of  Calvin,  and  but  barely 
mentions  him  among  the  Socinian  hereticks. 

Bayle,  who  was  of  no  religious  denomination,  in  his  life 
of  Calvin,  does  not  even  name  Servetus,  nor  cast  any  re- 
proach upon  that  Reformer  in  his  voluminous  notes.  Few 
biographical  writers  have  indulged  more  boldness  of  observa- 
tion upon  characters  than  Bayle  ;  and  perhaps  no  one  man 
has  been  so  extensively  acquainted  as  he  was  with  the  events 
of  the  Reformation,  and  the  characters  of  those  distinguish- 
ed men  who  were  active  in  promoting  it.  It  was  not  ig- 
norance, but  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  facts,  which  must 
have  induced  this  writer  to  pass  in  silence  a  subject  which, 
within  a  centiury  past,  has  been  brought  forward,  with  so 
much  animosity,  to  discredit  the  name  and  writings  of 
Calvin. 

The  judicious  Hooker,*  when  laljouring  with  no  indiffer- 
ent zeal  to  confute  the  ecclesiastical  polity  of  Geneva,  says, 
"  A  founder  it  had,  for  my  own  part,  I  think  incomparably 
the  wisest  man  that  ever  the  French  Church    did  enjoy, 

*  Hooker  was  bom  before  Calvin's  deatli,  and  died  in  1600,  being  cotem- 
porary  with  Beza. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  129 

since  the  hour  it  enjoyed  him.  His  bringing  up  was  in  the 
study  of  the  civil  law.  Divine  knowledge  he  gathered  not 
by  hearing  and  reading  so  much  as  by  teaching  others. 
For  though  thousands  were  debtors  to  him,  as  touching  know- 
ledge in  that  kind,  yet  he  to  none  but  only  to  God,  the  au- 
thor of  that  most  blessed  fountain,  the  book  of  life,  and  of  the 
admirable  dexterity  of  wit,  together  with  the  helps  of  other 
learning,  which  were  his  guides ;  till  being  occasioned  to 
leave  France,  he  fell  at  length  upon  Geneva."  Hooker's 
Eccles.  Polity,  Preface,  p.  62. "  We  should  be  injuri- 
ous unto  virtue  itself,  if  we  did  derogate  from  them  whom 
their  industry  hath  made  great.  Two  things  of  principal 
moment  there  are,  which  have  deservedly  procured  him  ho- 
nour throughout  the  world  :  The  one,  his  exceeding  pains  in 
composing  The  Institutions  of  the  Christian  religion  ;  the  oth- 
er, his  no  less  industrious  travels  for  the  exposition  of  holy 
scripture  according  to  the  same  Institutions.  In  which  two 
things,  whoever  they  were  that  after  him  bestowed  their  la- 
bour, he  gained  the  advantage  of  prejudice  against  them, 
if  they  gainsayed  ;  and  of  glory  above  them,  if  they  consent- 
ed. Of  what  account  the  master  of  the  Sentences,"  Peter 
Lombard,  "  was  in  the  Chm'ch  of  Rome,  the  same  and  more 
amongst  the  preachers  of  the  Reformed  Churches,  Calvin  had 
purchased :  so  that  the  perfectest  Divines  were  judged  they, 
which  were  skilf  ulest  in  Calvin's  writings ;  his  books  were  aK 
most  the  very  canon  to  judge  both  doctrine  and  discipline 
by.  The  French  Churches  were  all  cast  according  to  that 
mould  which  Calvin  had  made.  The  Church  of  Scotland, 
in  erecting  the  fabrick  of  their  Reformation,  took  the  self 

same  pattern." Hooker's  Preface,  Eccl.  Pol.  p.  65  and  06. 

"The  pious  and  excellent  Bishop  Hall  solemnly  pro- 
nounced, that  in  that  transaction,  relative  to  Servetus,  Cal- 
vin did  well  approve  himself  to  God's  Church." See  his 

Christian  Moderation,  b.  2,  Sect.  14,  quoted  in  Dr.  Miller's 

ir 


130  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

Contin.  of  Lett.  p.  S27.  Heylin,  although  strongly  attach- 
ed to  EpiscopacVy  and  to  Archbishop  Laud,  in  his  history  of 
the  Presley terians,  says  much,  with  his  usual  unauthorised 
asperity,  against  Calvin  ;  yet  he  never  reproaches  him  as  to 
the  matter  of  Servetus,  whom  he  only  names  as  a  Socinian. 

Bishop  Burnet,  in  his  history  of  the  Reformation  of  the 
English  Church,  has  passed  in  silence  the  story  of  Servetus, 
and  always  named  Calvin  with  respect. 

Without  increasing  this  list  with  the  names  of  Francis  Ju- 
nius, James  Anrdnius,  Davila,  Strype,  and  a  vast  number  of 
other  historians  and  Divines  of  different  theological  senti- 
ments, it  may  be  asked,  On  what  principle  it  was,  that  those 
Avriters  passed  with  approbation,  or  without  notice,  such 
atrocious  cruelty  and  personal  malevolence  in  Calvin,  as  Mr. 
Roscoe  and  others,  within  a  century  back,  have  boldly  charg- 
ed upon  him  in  the  affair  of  Servetus  ?  Were  the  Divines 
and  historians  at  the  close  of  the  16th,  and  through  the 
irth  century,  more  ignorant  of  the  facts  and  circumstances 
which  attended  that  business  than  those  Divines  or  histori- 
ans who,  in  the  IStli  century,  have  so  pointedly  selected, 
and  so  invidiously  impugned  Calvin,  as  pre-eminently  pos- 
sessing, and  furiously  exercising  the  spn"it  of  persecution  for 
the  sake  of  opinions  ?#  This  it  is  presumed  will  not  be  as- 
serted by  any  one  competent  to  judge  of  that  question. 

*  That  Divines  and  historians,  who  are  members  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, should  reproach  Calvin,  about  burning  Servetus,  even  if  tlie  fact 
were  so,  is  strange,  when  witliout  revei-ting  back  to  the  burning  of  Lambert 
and  Askew,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VUI. — to  Van  Pare  and  Joan  of  Kent,  in 
that  of  Edward  VI. — or  of  the  two  Anabaptists  in  that  of  Elizabeth  ; 
tliey  may  read,  as  late  as  1612,  under  James  I.  of  the  burning  of  Le- 
gate and  Wightman  for  the  Arian  heresy.  And  if  they  follow  down 
the  details  of  their  liistory,  during  the  reign  of  Charles  I.  and  Arch- 
bishop Laud,  and  read  the  petition  of  Alexander  Leiffhton,  or  his  sen- 
tence and  punishment,  they  will  find  causes  enough  for  the  chills  of 
grief,  and  tears  of  sympathy,  from  persecutions  not  only  for  heresy,  but 
for  non--conforrrAty  to  the  Common  Prayer  Book  of  the  Episcopal  Church- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  131 

The  rise  of  the  prejudices  against  Calvin,  and  his  ^vritings, 
may  be  found  in  the  controversies  which  originated  be- 
tween those  who  were  professedly  the  followers  of  that  Di- 
vine on  the  one  hand,  and  of  James  Arminius,  on  the  other. 

Theodore  Beza  supposed,  like  many  others  who  call  them- 
selves Calvinists,  that  he  could  explain  some  things  on  the 
subject  of  predestination  and  election,  with  more  precision 
and  perspicuity  than  Calvin  had  done.  In  this  instance, 
Beza  acted  regardless  of  the  following  advice  which  he  says 
Calvin  gave  him  on  his  first  entrance  upon  theological  studies  : 
"  Take  care  that  you  do  not  entangle  and  ensnare  yourself  in 
vain  subtilties ;  and  when  any  new  notions  arise  in  your 
mind,  however  they  may  please  and  flatter  you  at  first,  yet 
do  not  give  yourself  up  to  them,  till  you  have  thoroughly 
weighed  and  sifted  them.  In  a  word,  moderate  and  re- 
strain the  vivacity  and  over  forwardness  of  your  genius. 

I  have  endeavoured  all  along  to  follow  this  advice,  which  was 
given  me,  by  that  great  man  of  blessed  memory,  John  Cal- 
Yis,  when  I  first  gave  myself  up  to  the  sacred  studies."* 

William  Perkins  of  Cambridge  published,  in  1590,  hi?  Ar- 
iTiilla  Aureay  &c.  in  which  he  digested  the  sentiments  of  Be- 
za, on  that  mysterious  subject,  into  a  more  logical  and  pal- 
pable form.f  Francis  Gomarus,  who  -was  appointed 
Professor  of  Divinity  at  Leyden  in  1591;,  supported  the  sys- 
tem of  Mr.  Perkms  without  opposition  till  1603,  when  Ar- 
minius v/as  appointed  his  colleague  in  the  Professorship  of 

•  Beza,  apud  Philippum  Pareum,  in  vita  Davidis  Parei,  as  quoted 
by  Bayle. 

f  Calvin  had  stated,  that  the  damnation  of  the  reprobate  sprang  from  their 
own  corruption  of  nature.     Beza  and  Perkins  rested  it  on  the  decree  of 

God,  &c. Bayle,  Art.  Arm.  Beza,  in  volumine  primo  tractationum  theo- 

logicarum, — De  zetema  Dei  praedestinatione,  p.  337.  Perkins, — Armilla 
Aurea,Edit.  Basiliae,  1598,  p.  15,  et  passim.  Acta  Sj  nodi  Dordrechti,  et 
Sententia  Remonstrantinm,  vol.  1  et  9..  Ibid.  De  electione  et  reprobation 
ne,  &c. 


132  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  1553 

that  University.  The  successive  disputes  between  these  two 
learned  divines  drew  out  the  peculiar  sentiment  of  Arminius. 
In  1608,  and  tlie  following  year,  Gomarus  and  Arminius  dis- 
puted publickly  before  the  Assembly  of  the  States  of  Hol- 
land. The  last  disputation  was  broken  oif  by  the  sickness  of 
Arminius,  who  died  October  19,  1609.  He  however  left 
followers  who,  in  strenuously  supporting  his  opinions,  and 
ultimately  refining  upon  them,  to  obviate  objections,  have  as 
much  exceeded  what  he  had  defended,  as  Perkins  and  oth- 
ers since  have  ventured  beyond  the  scriptural  limits  which 
Calvin  had  established  on  those  mysterious  points.  Th& 
e^ihg  iMjXov,  the  apple  of  discord^  was  thrown  among  the  lead- 
ers of  the  controversy,  and  their  heat  and  animosity  were 
increased  till  the  meeting  of  the  Synod  of  Dort,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1618,  by  order  of  the  States  of  Holland.  The  contro- 
versy by  degrees  had  grown  into  a  state  of  faction,  and  en- 
dangered the  peace  of  the  government.  Maurice,  Prince  of 
Orange,  from  political  motives,  put  himself  at  the  head  of 
the  CalvinistF,  and  Barnavelt,  the  advocate  of  Holland,  with 
Hogerberts  and  Grotius,  were  the  leaders  who  sided  with 
the  Arminians.  The  five  points  of  controversy  were  decided 
in  favour  of  the  Calvinists,  and  the  Arminians  were  declared 
corrupters  of  the  true  religion.  The  Belgick  confession  of 
faith  was  established  as  the  religion  of  Holland.  Grotius  was 
a  Civilian,  connected  with  the  grand  Pensionary,  Barnavelt, 
and  ^vas  imprisoned  by  Maurice,  as  an  enemy  to  the  govern- 
ment.* Thus  provoked  and  embittered  against  the  profess- 
ed Calvinists,  and  against  the  power  of  the  Magistracy  in 
matters  of  religion,  Grotius  uttered  tliat  most  ungenerous  as- 

•  See  liayle.  Art.  Arminius  and  Gomarus.  Mosh.  Neal,  and  Rees'  Cy- 
clopaedia, Art.  Dort.  And  especially  the  Acta  Synodi  Dort  vol  1  and  2y— 
ibr«an  account  of  the  Arminian  controversy. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  13^ 

persion  against  Calvin,  Serveti  exustor.^  Francis  Turretin 
animadverts  upon  tliis  expression  of  Grotius,  and  declares  it 
to  be  a  bold  calumny  against  the  truth  of  history.  "  It  is 
evident,^''  says  li«,  "  that  Calvin,  nith  his  colleague  Pastors, 
dissuaded  from  the  burning  of  Servetus :  but  neither  the 
laws,  nor  the  IMagistrates  would  allow  him  to  be  treated 
more  mildly  on  account  of  his  horrid  blasphemies." 

Tarretin,  one  of  the  most  learned,  modest  and  pious  men 
of  any  age,  was  introduced,  1653,  as  Professor  of  Theology 
into  the  same  chair  which  Calvin  first  held  at  Geneva.  la 
his  Institutio  Theologicat  ElenchticoE,  he  discusses  the  ques- 
tion. Whether  hereticks  are  to  be  punished  by  the  civil  Sla-. 
gistracy  ?  In  this  discussion  he  introduces  the  case  of  Ser- 
vetus, and  defends  the  justice  of  his  sentence,  on  the  ground 
of  the  complicated  and  enormous  heresy,  which  he  had  pro- 
pagated for  more  than  twenty  years,  -with  great  virulence 
and  obstinacy,  against  all  the  means  used  to  reclaim  him.f 

It  was  subsequent  to  the  Synod  of  Dort,  that  the  writings 
of  Calvin  were  first  attacked  with  bitterness  in  England.  It 
was  when,  under  Charles  I.,  William  Laud  "  became /?/-/wi(7 
Minister  in  all  afi'airs  both  of  Church  and  State"  : — It  was 
when,  as  Bishop  Hall  says,  "  It  grieved  my  soul  to  see  our 
ow»  Church  begin  to  sicken  with  the  same  disease,''  Armi- 

•  Grotii  Opera,  vol.  4,  p.  503.  The  petulance  of  this  learned  Civilian  at 
this  time  is  evinced,  not  only  by  his  abusively  calling  Calvin  the  burn- 
er of  Servetus,  but  also  by  his  calling  Monsieur  de  la  Fontaine,  who  accus- 
ed Servetus,  Calvin's  cook.  Fontaine  at  least  had  so  much  learning  as  to 
manage  the  accusations  against  Servetus  before  the  Senateof  Geneva,  the 
first  two  days  of  the  trial.  On  the  third  day,  September  16,  Germain  Colla- 
don  assisted  him.  The  confinement  of  Grotius,  and  the  execution  of  Bar- 
navelt,  may  be  pleaded  in  excuse  for  his  low  and  undignified  reproach  of 
Cabin,  but  can  never  free  him  from  the  charge  of  Turretin — That  lie  utter- 
ed a  bold  calumny  against  the  truth  of  history. 

t  Francis  Turretin's  Works,  vol.  3,  p.  3T4,  loo.  18,  quest.  34. 


131  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

nianisni,  "  which  Ave  had  endeavoured  to  cure  in  our  neigh- 
bours"; the  Church  of  Holland.* 

The  influence  of  the  Primate,  Laud,  brought  forward,  in 
the  Arminians,  new  and  resolute  auxiliaries  to  the  aid  of 
the  Papists  and  Socinians,  in  their  propulsive  hostility  against 
Calvinism.  Every  vagTant  from  the  genuine  Institutes  of 
Calvin,  who  still  called  himself  a  Calvinist,  furnished  fresh 
materials  for  his  impugners,  by  which  they  imposed  on  the 
publick  mind,  as  the  lessons  of  that  Divine,  feverish  dogmas, 
which  he  absolutely  denied  and  rejected.  The  two  words, 
horribilc  decretwn,]  have  been  forced  from  their  relative 
positions,  and  rung  through  all  the  changes  of  reproachful 
terms  in  the  English  language,  by  such  writers  as  Daubeny, 
the  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  and  even  Dr.  Hobart,  apparently  for  the 
illiberal  purpose  of  prejudicing  the  publick  sentiment  against 
the  name  and  the  writings  of  Calvin.  Regardless  of  the  advice 
of  Bishop  Horsely,  "  take  special  care,  before  you  aim  your 
chafts  at  Calvinism,  that  you  knoAV  what  is  Calvinism,and  what 
is  not,"  the  enemies  of  Calvin  have  been  so  abusive  in  their 
misrepresentations  and  misquotations,  that  they  sometimes, 
to  avoid  personal  disgrace,  have  unmanfully  sheltered  them- 
selves under  fictitious  names.     But  it  is  not  to  be  expected, 

*  Some  specialities  of  the  life  of  Joseph  Ilall,  Bishop  of  J\'or-vich,  WTitten  by 
himseir,  prefixed  to  the  3d  volume  of  his  works,  quoted  from  Miller's  Con- 
tin,  of  Letters,  p.  334. 

I  The  candid  perusal  of  tlie  23d  chapter  of  tlie  3d  book  of  Calvin's  Insti- 
tutes, in  which  the  words  horribile  decretum  are  found,  will,  it  is  presumed, 
convince  any  upright  mind,  tliat  Calvin  has  wisely  avoided  the  double  laby- 
rhith  on  the  stibjrrt  of  Reprobation,  precisely  as  the  Apostle  Paul  does, 
llom.  ix.  20.  JV'iy  but,  O  man,  -u-fio  art  thou  that  repliest  affoitist  God?  Cat- 
vin  maintains,  that  Adam  fell  by  his  own  fault  ; — tliat  the  damnation  of  the 
reprobate  springes  from  their  oavii  corruption  of  nature  ; — tliat  their  perdi- 
tion no  otherwise  depends  upon  the  predestination  of  God,  tlian  that  the 
cause  and  the  matter  of  it  are  found  in  themselves  ; — that  Adam  fell  be- 
cause God  judged  it  expedient, — why  he  judged  it  expedient,  is  hidden 
from  us. Instit.  Cal.  lib.  3,  cTi.  23,  in  sec.  7,  8, 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1S§ 

that  arguments  will  wrest  from  such  men  opinions  adopted 
from  prejudice,  interest  or  passion.  And  after  all  that  has 
been  or  can  be  written,  the  virulent  and  habitual  opposers 
of  Calvin  must  be  left  to  the  dominant  influence  of  their 
own  prepossessions,  without  the  hope  of  their  even  reading 
his  works  Avith  candour. 

It  was,  hoAvever,  the  peculiar  honour  of  Cal\^in,  a\  hile  he 
lived,  that,  although  unprincipled  and  heretical  men  \s  ere 
his  opposers,  yet  every  pious,  learned  and  eminent  Reformer 
lvas  his  friend.  The  good  and  the  great  of  every  coun- 
try looked  up  to  him,  Avith  respect  and  esteem.  His  ene- 
mies have  yet  to  name  the  individual,  among  all  the  re- 
putable Reformers,  Avith  Avhom  Calvin  had  any  unfriendly 
controversy,  or  any  one  Avho  did  not  respect  him  during  his 
Avhole  life.  The  integrity,  the  peaceableness  and  stability 
of  Calvin  may  be  put  beyond  controversy,  by  a  correct  an- 
SAver  to  these  questions  of  fact —  Who  nere  the  enemies  ? — 
Who  nere  the  friends  of  Calvin  while  he  lived  ? 

It  is  readily  admitted,  that  the  Papists  hated  him.  At 
Noyon,  a  report  that  he  was  dead  being  circulated,  in  con- 
sequence of  an  illness  Av^ith  Avhich  he  weis  seized  in  divine  ser- 
vice, they  decreed  a  publick  procession,  and  returne<l  thanks 
in  their  Churches  to  Almighty  God  for  his  death.  The 
next  year,  1552,  their  city  Avas  destroyed  by  fire,  and  Cal- 
vin writes  to  Farel,  "  I  have  no  doubt  but  you  have  heard^ 
that  I  survive  my  native  place  :  So  that  I  am  obliged  noAr 
to  mourn  the  destruction  of  that  city  which,  the  last  year, 
celebrated  a  publick  procession  and  thanksgiving  on  account 
of  a  false  report  of  my  death."* 

In  the  Bull  of  Pope  Pius  V.,  deposing  and  excommunicat- 
ing Queen  Elizabeth,  dated  15G9,  Calvin's  Institutes  are  no- 
ticed Avith  special  attention.'    "  Libros  manifestam  hasresim 

i  *  See  111  Epist.  Calvlni  ad  FarelkiTn,  dat.  December  2, 1552. 


ia6  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

continentes,  toto  regno  proponi,  impia  mysteria,  et  Instituta 
ad  Calvini  praescriptum  a  se  suscepta,  et  observata,  etiara  a 
subditis  servari  mandavit."#  "  She  has  commanded  books 
cojitaining  manifest  heresy  to  he  published  through  her  nhole 
kingdom ;  the  impious  mysteries  and  Institutes  according  to 
Calvin  are  received  and  observed  by  herself,  and  even  enjoin- 
ed upon  all  her  subjects  to  be  obeyed.''^ 

The  Papists,  in  their  annual  legend?,  still  remember  Cal- 
vin. A  gentleman  of  respectability  stated  to  the  writer  of 
this  Life,  that  being  at  Strasburg  in  in  1789,  he  attended 
one  of  those  weekly  lectures,  in  a  Roman  Catholic  Church, 
at  Avhich  their  most  popular  Preachers  officiate,  and 
appropriately  discourse  against  the  hereticks  who  have  im- 
bibed the  opinions  of  Calvin.  Tlie  Preacher,  in  the  course 
of  his  sermon,  related  in  a  terrifick  manner  the  torments 
which  Calvin's  soul  endured  in  purgatory,  for  renouncing 
and  opposing  the  mother  Church : — That  no  person  dared 
to  approach  his  grave,  on  account  of  the  dismal  groans 
and  horrid  shrieks  which  proceed  from  it.  The  Preacher, 
moreover,  to  leave  no  doubts  on  the  minds  of  the  ignorant 
multitude,  declared,  that  he  himself  had  heard  the  fright- 
ful outcries  of  the  tormented  soul  of  that  heretick.  The 
gentleman,  who  witnessed  the  relation  of  these  things  at 
Strasburg,  had  resided  some  time  at  Geneva,  without  hav- 
ing heard  that  any  of  those  marvellous  circumstances  attend 
the  unknonm  spot  where  Calvin  Avas  buried. 

The  Papists  still  dread  the  influence  of  his  writings,  espe- 
cially the  temperate  and  distinct  light  in  which  the  truth  is 
presented  in  his  Institutes.  Bayle  states,  fi'om  Schultingius, 
•"  That  as  soon  as  tliis  work  of  Calvin  Avas  published  at 
Strasburg,  about  the  year  1545,  Bernard  Cincius,  Bishop  of 
Aquila,  carried  a  copy  of  it  to  Cardinal  IMarcellus  Cervin, 

*  Burnet's  Hist.  Reform,  vol.  2,  p.  o47.  Collect. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  137 

Legate  of  the  Pope  at  the  court  of  the  Emperour  ;  and  that 
these  two  able  men  judged  it  to  be  a  more  dangerous  book 
than  all  the  other  writings  of  the  Lutherans.''^  Schultingius 
was  a  Papist,  and  Canon  of  Cologne.  He  undertook  to  con- 
fute the  Institutes  of  Calvin.  "  This  work  %^ as  consf- 
dered,"  he  says,  "  as  the  principal  fortress  of  the  Protes- 
tants." He  proceeds  to  give  an  account  of  the  numerous 
editions  through  which  it  had  passed ;  besides  its  abridge- 
ments and  translations  into  different  languages.  He  say?, 
that  in  England  they  almost  gave  Calvin's  Institutes  the 
preference  to  the  Bible ;  that  the  Bishops  ordered  all  the 
ministers,  ut  pcne  ad  verbum  has  ediscant^ — that  they  should 
learn  them  almost  to  a  word; — and,  ut  turn  Anglice  exaciissi- 
me  versi  in  singulis  Ecclesiis  a  parochis  Icgendi  appendantur, 
— that  being  most  exactly  turned  into  English,  they  should  be 
kept  in  all  the  Churches  for  publick  use  ;* — that  they  were 
also  studied  in  both  the  Universities ; — that  in  Scotland  the 
young  students  in  Di\'inity  began  by  reading  these  Insti- 
tutes ; — ^that  at  Heidelburg,  Geneva,  Herborne,  and  in  all 
the  Calvinistical  Universities,  these  Institutes  were  publick! y 
taught  by  the  Professors ; — that  in  Holland,  IMinisters,  Civi- 
lians and  the  common  people  studied  this  work  with  great 
diligence,  even  the  coachman  and  the  sailor  nocturna  verset 
inanity  versetque  diurna ; — that  esteeming  it  as  a  pearl  of 
great  price,  they  had  it  bound  and  gilt  in  the  most  elegant 
manner.  This  work,  Schultingius  asserts,  was  appealed  to 
as  a  standard,  on  all  theological  questions.  Such  is  t lie  ac- 
count given  of  the  authority  of  Calvin's  Institutes  by  a  pro- 
fessed Papist,  who  lifted  up  his- mighty  arm  to  destroy  thi-; 

*  Thomas  Norton,  a  Barrister  who,  after  Sternhold's  death,  assisted  Hop- 
kins, William  Whittingham  and  others,  in  completing-  the  first  version  of  il)e 
Psalms  into  English,  which  was  done  at  Geneva,  and  published  at  the  end 
of  the  Geneva  Bible,  1560,  translated  the  Institutes  of  Calvin,  perhiijTB  about 
T575.    Norton's  translation  is  quite  literal,  but  the  style  fs  now  aiili(^«alcd. 

18 


138  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

principal  fortress  of  the  Protestants,  in  four  large  folio  vo- 
lumes, published  at  Cologne,  in  the  year  1602.* 

The  animosity  enkindled  by  the  Arminian  controversy, 
supported  by  the  half  Papist  and  persecuting  Archbishop 
Laud,  changed  the  state  of  things  in  respect  to  the  authority 
of  Calvin's  Institutes  in  England.  Francis  Cbeyneli,  in  his 
Sermon  to  the  Commons,  JMarch  25, 1646,  p.  42,  says ;  "  The 
old  statutes  did  recommend  Calvin's  Institutions  to  tutors,  as 
a  fit  ]jook  to  be  expounded  to  their  scholars.  But  that 
good  statute  was  omitted  in  the  book  of  new  statutes ;  be- 
cause there  are  so  many  precious  truths  in  Calvin's  Institu- 
tions  contrary  to  the  piety  of  those  times]  iji  which  the  new 

statutes  were  enacted. W^e  begin  to  see  with  one  eye, 

and  hope  that  Ave  shall  in  due  time  recover  the  other." 

The  learned  Poole,  in  the  preface  to  the  first  volume  of  his 
Synopsis,  published  in  1669,  apologises  for  not  naming  Cal- 
vin in  the  catalogue  of  authorities.  Being  patronized  by  ma- 
ny, who  Avere  bitter  against  the  sentiments  of  Calvin,  to  avoid 
giving  offence,  he  says,  that  where  he  could  he  had  selected 
from  other  Avriters  who  had  taken  from  his  Commentaries, 
and  adorned  their  works  with  his  labours;  and  that  he 
could  name  many  such  who  affected  to  despise  Calvin,  who 
w  as  yet  both  their  author  and  master.  He  adds  that  the 
•^vorks  of  Calvin  are  in  almost  all  hands,  as  well  as  in  the 
shops  of  the  booksellers ;  and  he  hopes  that  the  friends  of 
Calvin  will  take  no  exception  at  the  omission,  as  it  is  dulcius 
ex  ipso  fonte,  sweeter  to   drink  at   tlie  fountain,  and  he 

*  See  Bayle,  Art.  Schultinglus. 

■j-  "When  Laud  was  Archbishop  of  Canterbury. — Laud  was  charged  wHli 
Popish  inclinaXions.  A  lady  who  had  turned  Papist,  being  asked  by  the 
Archbishop  the  cause  of  her  changing  her  religion,  tartly  replied.  My 
Lord,  it  was  because  lever  hated  a  croud.  He  requested  her  to  explain.  / 
perceived,  said  she,  that  your  Lordship  and  many  others  were  making  for 
Home  -with  all  speed,  to  prevent  a  press,  I  went  before  you.    Bayle. 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIX.  139 

would  by  no  means  prevent  their  possessing  the  -works  qf 
Calvin.  In  JMr.  Poole's  preface  to  the  third  volume,  pub- 
lished 1673,  which  begins  with  the  Prophet  Isaiah,  he  says, 
that  he  ranks  Calvin  as  an  expositor  above  all  his  praises ; 
and  that  in  the  judgment  of  all  whose  minds  ^veie  exerciS' 
ed,  and  well  instructed  in  sacred  things,  Calvin,  in  his  most 
accurate  and  critical  Commentaries  on  the  Prophets,  had 
joined  great  learning  with  great  judgment,  in  explaining  He- 
brew words  and  phrases,  as  well  as  in  elucidating  obscure 
passages.  The  preceding  facts  open  some  light  on  the  pre- 
sent subject,  as  to  the  occasion  and  cause  of  the  opposition 
which  has  so  long  prevailed  in  England  against  Calvin  and 
his  writings ;  and  which  has  led  to  many  of  those  unchris- 
tian and  disingenuous  misrepresentations  which  were  design 
ed  to  blast  the  one,  and  suppress  the  influence  of  the  other. 
The  imhallowed  aspersions,  which  have  been  circulated  by 
the  dominant  class  of  Arminians  in  that  country  respecting 
Calvin,  have  been  with  some  persons  in  this,  of  bigoted  and 
feverish  minds,  a  sufficient  argument  for  reproaching  him, 
and  all  those  who  are  denominated  from  his  name,  with  che- 
rishing an  intolerant  spirit  in  matters  of  religion. 

The  inquisitorial  mania  of  Archbishop  Laud  still  so  far 
prevails  among  the  Dignitaries  of  the  English  Church,  as  to 
render  it  somewhat  indispensable,  on  publick  occasions,  for 
the  preacher  who  would  prove  his  orthodoxy,  and  secure  his 
popularity,  to  speak  directly  or  indirectly  of  "  the  impious 
dogmas  of  Calvin." — And  it  is  a  subject  of  regret,  that  from 
the  fear  of  the  overbearing  prejudices  of  Arminianism,  the 
same  temporising  expedient,  which  affected  the  learned 
Poole  in  his  two  first  volumes,  should  operate  so  powerfully 
ns  to  exclude  the  name  of  Calvin  from  the  pious  and  popular 


Ui)  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

Commentaries  of  Dr.  Thomas  Scott  ;*  a  Divine  who  has  per- 
haps surpassed  all  others  in  detaihng  the  definite  and  legiti- 
mate sentiments  of  Calvin,  on  all  the  great  doctrinal  points 
of  theology.  It  is  unquestionably  true,  as  Poole  asserts,  that 
many  Commentators,  who  have  not  had  boldness  or  ingenu- 
ousness enough  to  acknowledge  it,  have  still  lighted  their 
lamps  at  the  luminous  and  evangelical  writings  of  the  Ge- 
ne vese  Theologian.  And  while  the  Church  of  Clirist  endures, 
the  light  which  Calvin  opened  from  the  scriptures  will  ex- 
tend its  beams,  through  one  medium  or  another,  to  cheer,  to 
guide  and  edify  the  followers  of  Christ.  The  friends  and 
defenders  of  evangelical  truth  are  already  clad  in  the  ar- 
mour of  God.  They  are  meekly  and  firmly  advancing  in 
the  defence  of  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  in  the 
English  Church ;  and  are  labouring,  after  the  example  of 
Calvin,  above  all  others,  with  apostolick  zeal,  for  the  unlimit- 
ed circulation  of  the  scriptures  in  all  languages,  and  the  ex- 
tension of  the  knowledge  of  them  through  all  nations.  The 
progress  of  truth,  even  amidst  the  sound  of  war,  and  the  deso- 
lations wliich  are  in  the  earth,  is  accelerated  by  the  union  of 
the  friends  of  Zion.  The  chains  of  bigotry  are  dropping  from 
the  hands  of  those  who  have  been  bound ;  and  the  scales  of  pre- 
judice are  falling  from  the  eyes  of  many  who  have  been  blind. 
Men  of  the  first  talents,  and  most  extensive  erudition,  in  that 
communion,  have  dared  temperately  to  combat  the  enemies  of 
Calvin,  to  break  up  their  deceptive  coverts  of  attack  through 
the  medium  of  false  authorities  and  misrepresentations,  and 
to  set  forth  in  a  clear  light  the  influence  which  the  Divine 

*  In  justice  to  Dr.  Scott,  it  must  be  said,  that  in  his  able  remarks 
en  the  Bishop  of  Lincoln's  Refutation  of  Calvinism,  he  has  more  than 
atoned  for  his  former  neglect  of  Calvin  ;  still  it  may  be  observed  that 
in  Dr.  ScOtt's  Notes  on  the  Bible,  the  name  of  Calvin  might  in  many 
instances  justly  hold  the  places  now  occupied  by  the  names  of  Ham- 
mond, Hall,  Lowtli,  Whitby,  and  even  Be^a. 


156S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  141 

of  Geneva  had  with  Somerset,  Cranmer  and  King  Edward, 
in  forwarding  the  reformation  of  the  Liturgy,  and  infusing 
into  the  doctrinal  articles  of  that  Church  4he  pure  spirit  of 
the  Gospel.      These   faithful   labourers    have  done   much. 
They  have  laid  the  foundation,  and  cast  abroad  the  light, 
which  will  form  a  new  era  in  that  Church,  the  heads  of 
which,  many  of  them  at  least,  have  since  the  days  of  Laud 
been  embittered  against  the  name  and  writings  of  "  the  ve- 
nerable Calvin."* — They  have  entered  upon  a  work  of  Re- 
form, which  will  have  extension  and  enlargement ;   and  if 
under  Providence  that  Church  is  to  be  preserved,  tliej'  will, 
in  all  probability,  be  the  instruments.     They  have  even  now 
opened  the  door  of  hope,  that  their  Israel  may  arise  in  puri- 
ty and  stability  before  God.     To  such  men,  all  the  lovers  of 
the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  w  ill,  as  Calvin  did,  extend  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship,  whatever  may  be  the  minor  dis- 
tinction of  forms,  or  the  subordinate  peculiarity  of  their  for- 
mularies. 

A  quotation  from  the  Christian  Observer  shall  close  this 
part  of  our  subject. 

"  Few  names  stand  higher,  or  in  a  more  deserved  pre-emi- 
nence, amongst  the  w  ise  and  pious  members  of  the  English 
Church,  than  that  of  Bishop  Andrew^s.  His  testimony  to 
the  memory  of  Calvin  is,  that  '  he  was  an  illustrious  person, 
and  never  to  be  mentioned  ^vithout  a  preface  of  the  highest 
honour.'f  Whoever  examines  the  sermons,  writings,  &c. 
of  our  Divines,  in  the  reigns  of  Elizabeth  and  James  I., 
will  continually  meet  with  epithets  of  honour  w  ith  which 
his  name  is  mentioned  ;  the  learned^  the  nisc^  the  judicious, 
the  pious  Calvin,  are  expressions  every  where  to  be  found  in 

*  See  Bishop  Horsely's  Charge  in  1800. 

t  It  is  an  additional  argximent  of  the  deference  paid  lohis  opinions,  that 
the  Zritwr^y  underwent  an  entire  alteration,  in  compliance  with  the  objec- 
tions which  Calvin  made  to  H  as  itprerinnsly  stsod,. 


142  LIFE  OF  CALVIN".  155^ 

the  remains  of  those  times.  It  is  well  known  that  his  Insd' 
tutes  were  read  and  studied  in  the  Universities,  by  every  stu- 
dent in  Divinity,  for  a  considerable  portion  of  a  century ;  nay 
that  by  a  convocation  held  at  Oxford,  that  book  was  recom- 
mended to  the  general  study  of  the  nation.  So  far  was  the 
Church  of  England,  and  her  chief  Divines,  from  countenanC' 
ing  that  unbecoming  and  absurd  treatment,  ^vith  which  the 
name  of  this  eminent  Protestant  is  now  so  frequently  disho- 
noured, that  it  would  be  no  difficult  matter  to  prove,  that 
there  is  not  a  parallel  instance  upon  record,  of  any  single 
individual  being  equally  and  so  unequivocally  venerated,  for 
the  union  of  wisdom  and  piety,  both  in  England^  and  by  a 
large  body  of  the  foreign  Churches,  as  John  Calvin.  No- 
tliing  but  ignorance  of  the  ecclesiastical  records  of  those 
times,  or  resolute  prejudice,  could  cast  a  cloak  of  conceal- 
ment over  this  fact ;  it  has  been  evidenced  by  the  combmed 
testimony  both  of  enemies  and  friends  to  his  system  of  doc- 
trines.*" 


Some  time  in  April  of  this  year,  Bertilier,  who  held  the 
office  of  clerk  in  the  lower  Council,  was  excommunicated. 
Perrin,  who  was  now  one  of  the  Syndicks,  his  wife  and  Bal- 
thazar, had  each  of  them  also  experienced  the  weight  of  the 
game  censure.  All  means  were  used,  and  all  efforts  made, 
at  this  time,  to  deprive  the  Consistory  of  the  right  to  exer- 
cise their  authority.  The  first  step  which  the  factious  took, 
for  effecting  their  purpose,  was  to  petition  the  Senate  to  ab- 
solve Bertilier  from  the  sentence  of  the  Consistory.  Calvin, 
'in  the  name  of  this  body,   appeared  before  the   Senate,  and 

*  Christian  Observer,  vol.  2,  p.  142, 143'. 


U5B  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  143 

pointed  out,  with  great  plainness,  the  obligation  they  were 
under  to  enforce  the  ecclesiastical  laws.  The  question  was 
of  great  moment ;  and  he  omitted  nothing  which  might 
lead  to  a  correct  decision.  He  proved  to  them,  that  to  yield 
to  this  request  would  dissolve  the  whole  compact  of  dis- 
cipline in  that  Church.  After  hearing  the  reasons  on  both 
sides,  the  upper  Senate  determined  that  Bertilier  was  justly 
excommunicated.  Defeated  but  not  discouraged,  he  next 
brought  the  question  before  the  lower  Council,  that  they 
should  restore  him  without  consulting  the  Consistory.  The 
point  was  abruptly  carried ;  and  the  Council  of  two  hun- 
dred decreed,  that  the  final  sentence  of  excommunication 
belonged  to  the  Senate,  and  that  they  might  absolve  in  all 
cases  from  the  sentence  of  the  Consistory.  The  Senate  pre- 
cipitately granted  Bertilier  a  letter  of  absolution,  sanctioned 
with  the  geal  of  the  Rcpublick.  This  decree  was  passed  on 
the  31st  of  August,  two  days  previous  to  the  Sabbath  on 
Avhich  the  Lord's  Supper  was  to  be  administered.  Perrin 
and  his  faction  supposed,  that  they  had  involved  Calvin  in 
a  dilemma  of  no  small  consequence.  They  were  animated 
with  the  expectation,  that  if  Calvin  refused  to  comply  with 
the  mandate  of  the  Senate,  in  admitting  Bertilier  to  the 
Supper,  he  would  be  overpowered  by  the  faction ;  if  he  yield- 
ed, the  authority  of  the  Consistory  would  be  absolutely  de- 
stroyed. Calvin  was  immediately  informed  of  these  transac- 
tions. During  tlic  two  days  previous  to  the  Sabbath,  he 
deliberately  formed  his  opinion,  and  took  the  stand  which  he 
believed  his  duty  called  him  to  maintain.  In  his  morn- 
ing sermon,  before  the  administration  of  the  Supper,  he 
spoke  of  the  wickedness  of  tltose  who  treated  the  sacred  em- 
blems of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  with  contempt ; 
and  stretching  forth  his  hand,  he  said,  in  a  low  and  solemn 
voice,  After  the  example  of  Chrysostom,  sooner  wiil  I  suffer 
deaths  than  permit  this  hand  to  admnistcr  the  holy  things  of 


144  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

the  Lordf  to  those  who  are  lanfuUt/  cGndemncd  as  despisers  of 
God.  These  words  had  a  most  powerful  efiect  upon  the 
whole  assembly.  The  factious,  who  were  waiting  to  enjoy 
their  expected  triumph,  were  dismayed ;  and  Perrin  pri- 
vately directed  Bertilier  not  to  present  himself  at  the  Ta- 
ble. The  sacred  elements  were  administered,  in  the  most 
solemn  silence,  and  a  peculiar  awe  pervaded  the  assembly,  as 
If  the  Deity  himself  had  been  in  sight. 

In  the  afternoon,  Calvin  expounded  that  distinguished 
passage  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  in  which  Paul  took 
kave  of  the  Church  of  Ephesus.  He  called  the  assembly  to 
witness,  that  he  himself  would  neither  oppose  the  Magistracy, 
nor  teach  them  to  do  it.  He  exhorted  them  with  many 
words,  that  they  should  persevere  in  the  doctrines  which 
they  had  heard.  At  length,  as  if  addressing  them  for  the 
last  time,  he  says.  Since  these  things  are  so,  permit  me  also, 
brethren,  to  use  the  words  of  the  Apostle  ;  I  commend  you  to 
God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace.  This  sentence  impressed 
the  wicked  with  wonderful  force ;  the  pious  were  also  awa- 
kened to  discharge  their  official  duty  with  more  vigilance 
and  seriousness.  The  next  day,  Calvin,  together  with  his 
colleagues  and  the  Consistory,  deliberately  petitioned  both 
the  Senate  and  lower  Council,  That  as  the  law  which  commit- 
ted the  power  of  excommunication  to  the  Consiston/y  was 
made  by  the  people,  so  the  people  only  should  have  the  pow- 
er of  abrogating  it.  The  minds  of  the  Senate  were  now 
greatly  changed.  It  was  determined,  that  the  decree  of  the 
Council  of  two  hundred  should  be  suspended,  and  the  opi- 
nion of  the  four  Swiss  cities  obtained  concerning  the  right 
of  excommunication  as  exercised  by  the  Consistory.  In  the 
mean  time,  the  former  laws  were  to  remain  in  full  force.  The 
storm  was  thus  rather  suspended  than  dispersed. 

Farel  was  at  Geneva  for  his  health,  during  the  time  of  some 
of  these  transactions.     In  a  publick  discourse,  relying  on  the 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1 15 

justice  of  the  cause,  on  his  age  and  former  influence,  he  re- 
proved the  factious  with  severity  for  their  vices  and  sedi- 
tious conduct.  They  resented  his  pointed  admonition?,  and 
after  his  return  to  Neufchatel,  made  their  allegations,  and 
fixed  the  day  for  his  trial.  An  order  was  obtained  from 
the  Senate,  addressed  to  the  city  of  Neufchatel,  demanding 
his  presence  at  Geneva  at  the  appointed  time.  Farel  came 
accordingly,  not  however  without  danger  from  the  violence 
of  the  disaffected,  who  declared,  that  he  deserved  to  be  pu- 
nished by  being  cast  into  the  river  Rhone.  A  young  man,  of 
a  deliberate  and  determined  spirit,  admonished  Perrin,  who 
was  the  principal  leader  in  all  opposition  to  religious  re- 
straints, to  see  that  Farel,  the  common  father  of  their  city,  re- 
ceived no  injury.  Being  joined  by  another  young  man  of 
equal  resolution  and  integrity,  they  invited  all  the  friends  of 
order  to  assemble  in  the  Senate  chamber  at  the  time  of  his 
trial.  Almost  the  whole  city  were  collected,  when  the  vene- 
rable Farel  entered  the  room.  His  accusers  were  astonished 
at  the  concourse,  and  became  anxious  for  their  personal  safe- 
ty. Farel  was  heard  in  his  own  defence,  and  acquitted  : 
and  his  abusive  enemies,  with  apparent  regret  for  their 
conduct,  sued  to  him  for  pardon. 

The  folloAving  Letters,  written  in  the  undisguised  lan- 
guage of  the  most  friendly  correspondence,  will  afford 
additional  light  on  the  transactions  of  this  tempestuous 
period. 

"  Calvin  to  Viret,  wishes  health. 

•^*  I  would  have  been  silent  about  our  affairs,  lest  I  should 
give  you  fruitless  anxiety ;  but  apprehending  that  the  va- 
rious reports  might  be  more  grievous,  I  thought  it  most 
prudent  to   give   you  a  summary   of  the   state   of  tliingt; 

10 


14G  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  155a 

here.  The  participation  of  the  Supper  being  interdicted, 
.vix  months  ago,  to  Bertilier,  he  complained  to  the  Senate ; 
and  Ave  Avere  called  before  that  Council  on  his  account. 
The  cause  l)eing  heard,  the  Senate  declared,  that  he  was 
justly  excommunicated.  From  that  time  he  remained  qui- 
et, either  through  despair  or  contempt.  But  now,  lest  the 
Syndicate  of  Perrin  should  be  past,  he  requests  the  Senate 
to  restore  him  without  consulting  the  Consistory.  Being 
ijgain  called,  I  endeavoured  to  prove  to  them  by  many  ar- 
guments, that  this  could  not  be  justly  done,  according  to 
the  established  laws  ;  and  moreover,  that  it  was  not  right 
to  weaken  in  this  Avay  the  discipline  of  the  Church.  How- 
ever in  my  absence,  and  without  consulting  the  Consisto- 
ry, they  granted  him  the  privilege  of  partaking  of  the 
Lord's  Supper.  As  soon  as  I  was  informed  of  this,  I  used 
all  means  in  my  power,  to  have  the  Syndicks  call  the 
Senate.  I  omitted  nothing  that  could,  in  my  opinion,  tend 
(o  change  their  minds.  I  solemnly  declared,  that  I  was 
determined  rather  to  suffer  death,  than  thus  basely  pro- 
fane the  holy  Supper  of  the  Lord:  as  nothing  could  be 
juore  pernicious  than  that  he,  who  had  impudently  deri- 
ded and  insulted  the  Church  of  God,  should  raise  the 
.standard  of  rebellion,  and  excite  the  vilest  persons,  and  all 
who  resembled  him,  to  the  same  insolence  and  obstinacy. 
It  Avas  answered,  that  the  Senate  changed  7iothing  in  their 
former  decree.  Hence  you  will  perceive,  that  I  hold  the 
ministry  on  this  condition,  that  I  must  suffer  the  autho- 
rity of  the  Consistory  to  be  trodden  under  foot,  and  offer 
the  Supper  of  the  Lord  to  those  Avho  manifestly  despise 
it,  and  Avho  boast,  that  they  regard  not  his  Ministers.  I 
Avould  suffer  a  hundred  deaths,  rather  than  expose  Christ 
to  such  contempt  and  insult.  I  shall  not  mention  what  I 
said  in  my  two  discourses  yesterday,  as  it  will  be  told  by 
iiiany.     jI^ow  let  these  wicked  and   abandoned   men   have 


J 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  147 

what  they  have  long  desired.  The  calamity  of  the  Chureh 
sorely  afflicts  me  as  it  ought.  But  if  God  grants  so  muck 
to  hcentious  adversaries,  that  the  hberty  of  my  ministry 
is  destroyed  by  their  violent  commands,  I  have  discharg- 
ed the  duties  of  my  station.  He  who  has  inflicted  ttie 
wound  will  provide  the  remedy.  And  indeed,  since  so 
great  impunity  of  wickedness  has  been  increasing  now  for 
many  years,  the  Lord,  perhaps,  is  preparing  some  judg- 
ment, the  infliction  of  which  I  am  unworthy  to  behold. 
On  the  whole,  whatever  may  happen,  it  is  our  duty  to 
be  in  subjection  to  his  will.  FareMell,  I>eIoved  brother. 
May  the  Lord  be  always  with  you,  govern  and  protect 
you.  In  return,  pray  that  he  may  support  this  unliappy 
Church. Geneva,  Sept.  4,  1553." 

Rodolptus  Gualter,  a  colleague  of  Bullinger  at  Zurich, 
returning  from  Geneva,  gave  him  an  account  of  the  faction 
and  proceedings  of  Perrin  and  Bertilier.  In  a  letter,  da- 
ted Sept.  14,  Bullinger  writes  to  Calvin  : — "  My  dear 
brother,  I  received  your  letter,  and  the  information  I  de- 
rived from  Gualter  has  rendered  me  extremely  anxious. 
Do  not  retire,  I  beseech  you,  from  that  Church,  which 
has  so  many  excellent  men.  You  should  call  to  mind 
that  passage  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  Fear  not,  for  I 
have- much  people  in  this  city.  And  although  the  wicked 
and  polluted  are  more  numerous  than  we  wish  they  were, 
yet  many  things  are  to  be  borne  for  the  sake  of  the  elect. 
Besides  you  are  not  ignorant  how  all  those  would  leap 
for  joy,  who  hate  the  true  Gospel  in  France ;  and  the  ex- 
treme danger  to  which  you  would  expose  the  Frencli  ex- 
iles, if  you  should  depart  from  Geneva.  Stay  therefore, 
stay  and  bear  whatever  reproaches,  contempt,  dangers  and 
suiferings  the  Lord  shall  please  to  bring  upon   yon.     The 


U&  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

J;ord  will  not  forsake  you.     Through  manifold   tribulations- 
?re  must  enter  the  kingdom  of  God.^* 

"  Calvin  to  Bullincer,  wishes  health. 

"  Respected  Ijrother, — I  perceive  by  your  letter,  that  you 
do  not  apprehend  the  extent  of  those  evils,  of  which  I  com- 
plained to  you.  As  the  wicked  know  that  I  am  constitution- 
ally irritable,  they  have  often,  by  various  methods,  endea- 
voured to  move  my  indignation,  and  to  shake  my  patience. 
But  although  I  have  had  severe  and  difficult  trials,  yet  they 
Jiave  in  no  instance  obtained  what  they  eagerly  sought,  that 
I  should  turn  aside  from  the  path  of  duty.  I  have  long 
since  been  inured  to  all  their  stings.  For  the  Lord  has  so 
exercised  mc,  within  a  short  time,  among  this  people,  that  I 
have  learned  by  much  experience,  how  many  things  are  to 
l>e  borne  l)y  the  Ministers  of  Christ.  I  hope  the  same  Provi- 
dence, which  has  hitherto  sustained  me,  will  inspire  me  with 
no  less  fortitude,  through  whatever  trials  he  may  lead  me 
in  future.  Under  his  protection,  and  relying  on  his  support, 
I  will  never  willingly  desert  the  station  in  which  he  has  pla- 
ced rac.  Nor  indeed,  when  Mr.  Gualter  was  lately  here, 
^vas  I  so  ])orne  down  with  reproaches  and  indignities,  as  to 
liave  prepared  myself  to  leave  this  place.  But  the  wicked 
f vcn  then  m ere  entering  upon  measures,  by  which  they  de- 
f  ij^nicd  to  thrust  me  away,  however  unwilling. 

"  A  certain  person  was  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  partake 
iiig  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  until  he  should  repent.  Despising 
llif  judgment  of  the  Church,  lie  was  determined,  notwith- 
standing the  sentence,  to  be  admitted.  And  in  order  to 
overthrow  entirely,  by  his  obstinacy,  the  poAver  of  the  Con- 
sistory, lie  had  obtained  from  the  lower  Senate,  what  I  was 
bovmd  to  refuse  him.  But  knowing  him  to  be  a  brazen  fa- 
ced man,  and  that  the  wicked  had  set  hira  up  agaipst  me, 


155S  LIFE  Oi  CALVIN.  119 

either  to  overpower  me  by  his  impudence,  or  to  excite  a  tu- 
mult, I  informed  the  Senate  ^vhat  I  should  do.  But  the 
baser  faction  prevailed,  and  I  could  obtain  nothing  just  from 
that  body.  On  the  following  day,  (the  Sabbath,  Sept.  3,)  our 
brother  Gualter  being  present,  I  declared,  that  I  -would 
sooner  suffer  death,  than  prostitute  the  sacred  bread  of  the 
Lord  to  an  excommunicated  person,  whose  express  intention 
it  was  grossly  to  make  a  mockery  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  tread 
under  foot  the  discipline  of  the  Church.  "What  I  said  in 
the  afternoon,  I  wish  you  to  read  in  the  sermon  itself,  which 
our  friend  Beza  translated  into  Latin.  Do  not  suppo:^e, 
that  any  thing  has  been  changed  ;  I  have  not  inspected  it. 
It  was  written  by  a  Notary  from  my  mouth  as  I  delivered 
it.  The  affair  was  afterwards  discussed  in  the  Senate,  and 
the  good  cause  prevailed.  The  seditious  have  ceased,  for  a 
little  while,  to  disturb  that  order  of  things  which  they  desire 
to  destroy.  This  pause,  ho^vever,  is  only  to  take  a  more  con- 
venient opportunity  to  set  every  thing  in  commotion.  But 
the  day  of  the  annual  election  is  at  hand,  when  they  will 
doubtless  attempt  something.  The  Lord  grant  that  their 
perverse  counsels  may  be  dissipated.  The  discipline  Mhich 
has  been  received  in  this  Church,  by  the  decree  of  the  Sen- 
ate and  the  people,  I  will  certainly  sooner  sanction  with  my 
blood  than  suffer  it  to  be  destroyed  before  my  eyes.  If 
they  hold  me  back  from  the  duties  of  my  office,  I  will  sooner 
be  compelled  to  depart,  than  give  up  my  liberty,  the  loss  of 
which  would  be  the  ruin  of  my  ministry.  Still  I  am  by  no 
means  so  hardened,  but  that  I  am  most  painfully  exercised 
about  the  dissipation  of  this  flock,  which  I  foresee  Mould  be 
the  consequence.  But  while  I  am  examining  what  is  lawful 
for  me  to  do,  I  am  confirmed  in  my  purpose.  Proceed,  my 
brother,  as  you  have  done,  to  assist  us  by  your  prayers,  that 
Christ  may  preserve  to  himself  this  fold. 


150  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

"  It  is  HOW  the  eighth  day  since  the  messenger  returned 
from  your  Church.  I  am  uiia])Ie  to  express  hoAv  much  this 
CJiurch  is  indebted  for  your  faithful  labours  and  discreet 
answer ;  and  for  speaking  so  aficctionately  and  lionourably  of 
me  and  my  Colleagues,  and  in  coinmendation  of  our  doctrines. 
We  acknowledge  ourselves  individually  under  obligation  to 
you  aiKl  give  you  no  common  thanks.  We  should  be  pleased 
Avith  an  opportunity  to  contend  willi  you  in  kind  offices,  but 
we  know  that  you  are  satisfied  with  our  disposition  to  do  it. 
What  will  be  done  concerning  tlie  jnan,  is  not  yet  known. 
But  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  conjecture,  he  will  be  carried  to 
the  bar  of  the  Senate  to-morrow,  and  led  to  punishment  the 
day  after.  Affairs  in  France  continue  in  the  same  unhappy 
situation.  Wherever  there  are  objects  of  their  violence,  the  y 
do  not  spare  their  lives.  At  Dijon  three  will  shortly  be 
burnt,  unless  it  has  already  been  done.  There  is  danger  al- 
so, lest  the  commotions  in  Scotland  should  awaken  the  spirit 
of  persecution.  I  mention  this,  that  you  may  remember  our 
unhappy  brethren.  At  Nismes,  it  is  reported,  that  there  are 
seven  or  eight  held  in  cliains.  There  are  also  many  in  other 
cities  of  France.  Farewell,  most  excellent  man  and  beloved 
brother.  Salute  your  fellow  Ministers,  your  wife,  sons  in 
law  and  children.  May  the  Lord  be  always  Avitli  you, 
protect  and  guide  you  by  his  spirit.  My  colleagues  salute 
you  respectfully.      Geneva,  Oct.  26,  1553." 

When  Pcrrin  and  his  party  found  that  the  Senate,  upon 
more  mature  deliberation,  would  confirm  the  rights  of  the 
Consistory,  they  requested  to  have  the  question  referred  to 
tlie  different  Senates  of  Zurich,  Bern,  Schaifhausen  and  Ba- 
sil. The  Churches  in  these  cities  had  not  within  themselves 
the  poAver  of  excomnmnication.  Delinquents  in  extreme  cases 
were  punished  by  the  civil  JMagistrate.  The  following  ex- 
tract from  Calvin's  let tfj-,  with  the  articles  of  discipline  in 


15fi5  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  151 

the  Genevese  Church,  about  which  so  much  contention  had 
been  excited,  Avill  afford  some  lis^ht  on  this  ecclesiasticai 
controversy. 

«  Calvin  to  the  Ministers  of  Zurich. 

"  Respected  brethren  and  fellow  labourers;   health  and 

happiness. For  two  years  past,  our  condition  has  been  the 

same  as  though  we  lived  among  the  professed  enemies  of  the 
Gospel.  The  last  act  is  now  performing.  The  enemies  of  the 
Gospel,  having  gained  many  victories,  think  they  are 
about  to  enjoy  a  splendid  triumph  over  Christ,  his  doctrines 
and  Ministers,  and  finally  his  whole  household.  I  pass  over 
the  barbarity,  the  insult  and  inhumanity,  with  which  they 
iiave  vexed  the  exiles,  whom  they  received  under  their  pro- 
tection. The  authors  of  these  injuries  are  themselves  witness- 
es, with  what  modesty,  patience  and  endurance  those 
strangers  put  up  witli  all  these  indignities,  when  they  had 
an  immediate  remedy  in  their  own  power.  Tlie  impiety  of 
those  men  has  now  reached  its  summit.  Having  thrown  off 
all  shame,  they  obstinately  desire  to  convert  the  house  of 
worship  into  a  brothel.  To  exemplify  their  extreme  depra- 
vity :  When  our  brother  Fare]  was  here  lately,  to  whom  they 
OAve  themselves  as  you  well  know,  he  admonished  them  freely, 
by  his  own  authority ;  and  their  fury  was  so  enkindled,  that 
they  were  not  ashamed  to  endecwour  to  procure  sentence  of 
death  to  be  passed  upon  him.  I  know  it  is  no  new  thing, 
that  in  a  free  city  factious  men  should  be  found,  who  stir  up 
tumults.  But  the  blindness  of  our  Senate  must  be  deplored, 
Vho  demanded  that,  the  father  of  their  liberties,  and  the 
father  of  this  Church,  should  be  sent  to  them  by  the  inha- 
bitants of  Neufchatel,  as  a  crimnal  to  be  tried  for  his  life. 
I  am  compelled  to  say,  that  this  was  a  disgrace  to  our  city, 
a  stain  which  I  would  gladly   wash  off  with  my  blood. 


152  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

Fare!  came,  but  before  he  entered  the  city,  the  Clerk  of  the 
Senate  declared  at  ray  house  that  he  should  not  ascend  the 
pulpit.  I  will  omit  other  things ;  it  is  sufficient  to  have  giv- 
en a  specimen  of  this  ingratitude,  which  will  excite  the  in- 
dignation of  all  good  and  ingenuous  minds.  Many  reasons 
forbid  my  deploring  more  freely  the  evils  which  prevail 
here.  Take  the  whole  in  a  word,  unless  the  adversaries  are 
restrained  by  your  assistance,  the  reins  will  go  loose  upon  the 
neck  of  their  licentiousness.  It  becomes  you  to  take  as  dili- 
gent care  of  us,  as  though  the  government  of  this 
Church  was  in  your  own  hands.  We  will  not  be  so 
difficult  as  to  quit  our  station  rather  than  yield  our 
opinion  to  yours.  All  pious  persons  acknowledge,  that  we 
have  hitherto  been  too  complying,  in  order  to  avoid  tu- 
mults. This,  however,  Avas  when  we  had  a  full  belief,  that 
God  was  trying  our  patience  by  the  wickedness  of  those 
men.  But  this  victory  must  not  be  yielded  to  them,  unless 
■we  will  consent,  knowingly  and  deliberately,  to  betray  the 
whole  authority  of  the  Church  into  their  hands.  In  that 
case,  the  ministerial  office  would  go  to  destruction  ;  the  name 
of  Christ  w^ould  be  subjected  to  the  most  opprobrious  in- 
sults ;  the  unbridled  indulgence  of  their  licentiousness  in  all 
evils  would  increase  with  redoubled  outrage;  and  the  pious 
would  not  only  be  oljnoxious  to  all  kinds  of  injuries,  but 
Avould  be  wholly  prostrated  in  affliction  and  misery.  We 
are  confident,  therefore,  that  you  will  take  care,  and  by  your 
opinions  assist  the  faithful  who  are  here,  that  they  may  be 
liberated  from  these  evils,  and  permitted  to  worship  God 
with  more  quietness. 

"  Farewell,  best  and  beloved  brethren.  May  the  Lord 
be  with  you,  direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  afford  you  pru- 
dence, sufficient  not  only  for  watching  over  your  own  Church, 
Init  for  tlie  defence  of  others  also.     My  Colleagues  affection- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVLN.  m 

ately  salute  you,  and  anxiously  recommend  this  Church  to 
your  faithfulness  and  prudence. 

<«  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

«  Geneva,  November  26,  1553." 

"  The  principal  heads  of  the  DisciPLii^E  of  the  Chuecii 
OF  Geneva. 

"  Twelve  years  are  now  elapsecl  since  this  order  of  the  Con- 
sistory, and  the  written  la^vs  were  established  in  this  city. 
These  were  passed  by  the  Senate,  and  received  and  sanction- 
ed by  the  suffrages  of  the  whole  people,  as  folloAvs ; 

I.  "  If  any  one  shall  spread  opinions  contrary  to  the  doc- 
trines received  in  this  Church,  he  shall  be  admonished  in  a 
friendly  and  brotherly  manner  :  If  he  accepts  this  kindly,  it 
shall  be  passed  without  any  mark  of  disgrace :  If  he  shall  be 
obstinate,  or  pertinaciously  addicted  to  his  errour,  he  shall 
foe  seriously  admonished,  imtil  the  Consistory  shall  judge  that 
there  is  a  necessity  for  greater  severity ;  and  then  he  shall  be 
interdicted  the  Supper,  and  referred  to  the  Senate. 

II.  "  If  any  shall  neglect  the  sacred  assemblies,  and  it  ap- 
piear  to  be  done  openly  ahd  with  contempt ;  if  any  shall  de- 
spise the  ecclesiastical  order,  that  it  become  reproached  by 
their  example,  and  the  communion  of  the  faithful  be  tram- 
pled upon,  they  shall  be  called  to  the  Consistory,  and  ad- 
monished ;  If  they  shew  themselves  teachable  and  obedient, 
they  shall  be  acquitted  in  a  friendly  manner  :  If  they  obstr- 
nately  persist  in  that  which  is  worse,  after  three  admonition?, 
they  shall  be  prohibited  the  use  of  the  Supper,  and  that  shall 
be  reported  to  the  Magistracy. 

•  III.  "  Respecting  the  life  of  each  individual,  that  course 
shall  be  pursued  in  correcting  faults,  which  the  Lord  has 
prescribed :  Namely,  secret  trespasses  shall  be  privately  re- 
proved by  mild  admonitions,  nor  shall  any  call  his  brother 

20 


Uh  Lli  E  OF  CALVIN.  153S 

io  the  examination  of  the  Church  for  a  fault,  which  is  not 
connected  with  public  scandal,  until  he  shall  have  added 
stubbornness  to  the  first  offence. 

IV.  "  Those  who  hold  private  admonitions  in  contempt 
ehall  be  admonished  again  by  the  Church.  If  they  remaiH 
obstinate,  and  although  convicted  by  lawful  testimony,  per- 
sist in  their  obstinacy  instead  of  supplicating  pardon,  they 
shall  be  debarred  the  use  of  the  Supper  until  they  repent. 

V.  «  Respecting  manifest  and  notorious  sins,  which  the 
Church  cannot  overlook,  this  difference  shall  be  used :  An 
ordinary  offence,  for  ^v^Iiich  the  reproof  of  admonition  may 
be  sufficient,  the  Elders  of  the  Consistory  shall  not  prosecute 
any  farther.  Any  one  who  neglects  his  duty  shall  be  call- 
ed to  account  for  the  example  of  others :  If  he  asks  par- 
don, he  shaU  be  forgiven  ;  but  if  no  repentance  shall  be  ma- 
nifested, the  admonition  shall  be  seriously  repeated.  Those 
who  go  on  to  the  scandal  of  the  Church  shall  be  debarred 
the  holy  Supper,  as  despisers  of  God,  until  they  shall  give 
proof  of  repentance. 

VI.  "  If  the  offence  be  more  scandalous,  and  deserving  a 
severer  punishment  than  verbal  reproof,  the  Judges  of  the 
Consistory  shall  take  cognizance  of  it,  that  he  who  has  so  fal- 
len may  be  debarred  from  the  holy  Supper  of  the  Lord,  for 
some  short  time,  that  he  may  humble  himself  before  God. 

VII.  "  If  any  one  shall  obstinately  despise  the  judgment 
of  the  Consistory,  and  thrust  himself  forward  to  the  sacred 
Table,  he  shall  be  repelled  by  the  Minister. 

VIII.  "  That  moderation  of  discipline  shall  be  observed, 
which  may  give  no  occasion  for  complaints  on  account  of  un- 
reasonable severity,  and  so  that  the  corrections  may  be  alto- 
gether as  useful  medicines. 

IX.  "  So  also  shall  the  Consistory  confine  itself  within  tlie 
limits  of  ecclesiastical  government,  that  it  may  neither  dero- 
gate nor  diminish  any  thing  fiom  the  ordinary  power  of  the 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1 JG 

Magistracy :  And  the  Ministers  of  the  word  shall  be  conteutr 
cd  with  the  spiritual  sword,  and  not  concern  themselves  with 
the  civil  jurisdiction,  lest  they  take  away  any  thing  from  the 
Magistracy.  As  often  as  causes  shall  be  brought  to  the 
Consistory,  the  judgment  of  which  may  require  civil  punish- 
ment or  coercion,  the  parties  shall  be  sent  to  the  Senate,  which 
may  exercise  civil  judgment  at  its  own  discretion, 

"  Besides,  the  Judges  of  the  Consistory  are  not  only  the  Mi^ 
nisters  of  the  word,  but  double  to  their  number  of  chosen  El* 
ders,  who  are  elected  partly  from  the  upper  Senate,  and  part- 
ly from  the  Iowqt  Senate,  and  usually  one  of  the  Syndicte 
presides."* 

«  BuLLiNGER  TO  Calvin,  wishfis  health, 

"Their  Excellencies,  the  Magistrates  of  Geneva,  have 
written  a  letter  to  the  illustrious  Senate  of  our  city.  As  it 
was  written  in  French,  the  Chief  Magistrate  sent  it  to  our 
brother  Gualter,  to  be  translated  into  German  ;  thus  it  hap- 
pened that  I  saw  and  read  it.  They  proposed  three  ques- 
tions to  our  Magistrates  :  1.  How,  from  the  precept  of  God, 
and  according  to  the  sciiptures,  excommunication  is  to  be 
exercised,  and  religion  preserved  pure  ?  2,  Whether  it  can 
be  exercised  in  any  other  way  than  by  a  Consistory  ? 
3.  What  is  the  custom  of  our  Church  in  this  case  ?  This 
letter  was  read  in  full  S^ate :  and  immediately,  the  Chief 
Magistrate  and  three  Senators  were  deputed,  to  consult  with 
the  three  associated  Pastors  of  this  Church,  concerning  the 
proper  answer  to  be  given.  They  consulted,  and  unanimous- 
ly agreed,  to  write  to  the  most  noble  Senate  of  Geneva,  that 
we  were  very  much  grieved  that  they  should  be  so  much 
troubled,  that  debates  and  contentions  should  be  heaped  one 

'  See  Letters,  No.  54. 


156  LI¥E  0¥  CALVIN.  1553 

upon  another.  That  for  a  long  time  we  had  heard  of  the 
Consistorial  Laws  of  that  Church  ;  and  acknowledge  them  to 
be  pious  and  consistent  with  the  word  of  God  ;  that  they 
ought  not  to  be  changed  by  any  innovation ;  and  that  it 
would  be  more  prudent  to  preserve  them  entire,  especially  in 
this  age,  ^\  lien  men  are  waxing  worse  and  worse.  And  al- 
though our  discipline  does  not,  in  all  respects,  correspond 
with  yours,  yet  yours  is  accommodated  to  the  circumstances 
of  times,  places  and  persons,  and  we  do  not  think  that  it 
should  be  subverted.  But  as  you  wish  to  know  our  method 
of  proceeding  in  these  cases,  we  send  you  the  heads  of  our 
discipline  drawn  up  in  a  few  words.  These  things  were 
agreed  upon  in  our  conference  to-day,  and  to-morrow  this 
answer  will  be  laid  before  the  whole  Senate.  How.  far  it  will 
meet  ^v"ith  their  approbation,  I  cannot  say.  I  pray  God, 
from  my  heart,  that  he  would  turn  all  these  things  to  the 
glory  of  his  name.  We  have  laboured  with  much  anxiety, 
that  nothing  should  be  done,  that  might  have  any  tendency 
to  subvert  the  good  laws  of  your  Church.  We  also  exhort 
you  to  continue  faithful  to  the.  Lord,  and  to  use  moderation 
in  all  things,  so  as  not  to  lose,  by.  any  excess  of  rigom*,  those 
Vshom  tlie  Lord  would  have  presu  ved,  who  does  not  break 
the  bruised  reed,  nor  quench  the  smoking  flax.  Farewell, 
most  excellent  man  and  beloved  brother  in  the  Lord.  Eter- 
nal happiness  to  our  brother  Budeus ;  health  to  Count  a  Mar- 
tmengis,  to  Galasius  and  the  brethren. 

"  In  the  utmost  haste,  Yours, 

«  HENRY  BULLINGER, 

«  ZiiEicn,  Dee.  12, 1553." 

"  P.  S.  I  have  just  received  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  our  no- 
ble  Senate.  I  see  nothing  different  in  the  substance  of  it 
from  what  I  have  mentioned  above.  They  even  seriously 
txhort  your  Senate,  to  remaui  steadfast  in  thoee  rules  whigh 
they  have  heretofore  received." 


■'m 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  157 

The  answer  of  the  IMagistrates  of  the  Swiss  cities,  approv- 
ing of  the  Consistorial  Laws,  disappointed  the  faction  of  Per- 
riu  and  Bertilier.  This  year  was  remarkable  for  the  contro- 
yersies  which  the  wicked  excited  about  doctrine  and  disci- 
pline. The  issue  was,  however,  on  the  w^hole  successful  to 
the  cause  of  religion.  Calvin,  amidst  his  other  labours,  had 
prepared  his  Commentary  on  the  Gospel  of  Jolui,  which  m  as 
jjublished  with  the  following  dedication  : — 

•  To  THE  MAGNIFICENT   LoRDS,    THE    SyNDICKS  AND  SENATE 

OF, Geneva,  truly  respected  in  Chiist,  John  Calvin  wish- 
es from  the  Lord  the  spirit  of  prudence  and  fortitude,  and 
a  prosperous  and  successful  administration. 

*'  As  often  as  I  call  to  mind  the  advice  of  Christ,  by  which 
he  determines  that  the  office  of  benevolence  in  the  invitation 
of  guests,  is  to  adapt  the  terms  of  acceptance  to  their  cir- 
cumstances, at  the  same  time,  it  occurs  to  me,  that  he  has 
dignified  you  with  singular  honour,  in  appointing  your  city 
to  be  not  the  receptacle  of  an  individual,  or  of  a  few  stran- 
gers, but  the  common  place  of  entertainment  for  his  Church. 
Hospitality  is  esteemed  one  of  the  principal  virtues.  The 
^vicked  themselves  txtol  it.  And  Avhen  persons  are  condemn- 
ed as  extremely  barbarous  and  cruel  in  their  manners,  they 
are  called  alcvw?,  that  is,  inhospitable.  But  you  have  a 
still  higher  ground  of  praise,  that  in  these  turbulent  and 
imhappy  times,  the  Lord  has  selected  you,  as  the  protection 
and  confidence  of  those  pious  and  innocent  men  who  are  dri- 
ven away  from  their  dwellings  and  their  country,  l:)y  the 
cruel  and  sacrilegious  tyranny  of  Antichrist.  Neither  is  this 
all,  but  Avith  you  the  sacred  retreat  is  dedicated  to  his 
name,  and  he  is  here  worshipped  in  purity.  AVhoever,  there- 
fore, endeavours  to  deprive  you  of  these  things,  either  pri- 
Tately  or  openly  in  the  least  degree,  must  do  it  not  only  to 


lo8  LIFE  OF  CALVm.  1553 

spoil  your  city  of  its  principal  ornaments,  but  muSt  be  ma-, 
liciously  hostile  to  its  prosperity.  Although  then  the  offices 
of  piety,  which  are  here  performed  for  Christ  and  his  di* 
persed  members,  call  forth  the  abusive  reproaches  of  the  im- 
pious, this  one  recompence  ought  abundantly  to  satisfy  you, 
that  the  Angels  from  heaven,  and  the  children  of  God  from 
all  parts  of  the  world,  pronounce  you  blessed.  You  may 
then  justly  disregard  the  foul  reproaches  of  those  who  exer- 
cise no  more  religion  or  shame  in  their  treatment  of  God  him- 
self, than  in  those  malicious  things  which  they  utter  against 
you.  Indeed  those  who  abuse  you  begin  first  by  reproach- 
ing the  Deity  himself.  Your  treatment  of  the  unhappy 
exiles  may  excite  the  hatred  of  many  against  you.  There 
IS,  however,  no  danger  to  be  feared  from  it,  since  he  opposes 
the  protection  of  his  hand  to  arrest  their  rage,  who  has 
promised  himself  to  be  the  defence  and  guardian  of  those 
cities,  where  there  is  a  habitation  for  the  doctrine  of  his  gos- 
pel, and  an  ample  residence  for  those  pious  men  whom 
the  world  cannot  endm-e.  It  is  evident  that  the  pro- 
fessed enemies  of  the  true  doctrines  hate  you,  merely  be- 
cause of  the  protection  which  they  see  you  afford  then.. 
Regardless  of  their  machinations  and  threats,  it  becomes  you 
to  defend,  Avith  invincible  constancy,  these  two  bulA\arks,  the 
worship  of  the  pure  religion,  and  the  pious  care  of  cherish- 
ing the  Church  which  Christ  has  committed  to  the  shelter  of 
your  wings.  What  signify  the  reproaches,  with  which  the  Po- 
pish janglers  of  the  tavern  attack  us,  as  having  fallen  off 
from  the  Church,  because  we  have  departed  from  the  Ro- 
mish platform  ?  I  Avish  that  we  were  able  to  testify,  before 
God  and  Angels,  with  entire  confidence,  that  we  had  depart- 
ed as  far  from  her  pollutions,  as  the  proof  of  those  crimes 
with  which  she  oppresses  us,  is  easy  and  expeditious.  They 
indeed  glory  in  the  title  of  the  Catholick  CTiurch,  who  yet 
Jeavo  no  part  of  the  doctrines  of  the  law  and  Gospel  uncopta- 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  150 

minated  by  their  depravations;  who  corrupt  the  whole 
worship  of  God  with  their  superstitions ;  and  who  are  not 
ashamed  to  adulterate  all  the  institutions  of  God  with  thei-r 
fictions.  Indeed,  so  CathoUck  is  the  mass  of  errours,  by 
which  they  destroy  all  piety,  that  it  might  be  sufficient  to 
supply  a  hundred  Churches  -with  the  means  of  corruption 
and  ruin.  We  shall  never  be  able  to  extol,  according  to  its 
richness,  the  immense  goodness  of  God,  by  which  our  deli- 
verance has  been  effected  from  that  vortex  of  death ;  so 
that  we  have  an  anchor  of  faith  reaching  its  hold  on  the  so- 
lid and  eternal  truth  of  God.  That  the  Papacy  is  a  deformed 
body,  compounded  of  innumerable  inventions  of  Satan,  spread 
over  the  Church,  with  a  confusion  and  discordance  like  that  of 
Babylon,  the  following  commentary  will,  I  trust,  be  a  lumi- 
nous witness.  In  the  mean  time,  I  ingenuously  confess,  that 
from  the  contagion  of  her  pollutions,  which  sppead  them? 
selves  far  and  wide,  we  are  not  sufficiently  removed.  Anti- 
christ complains,  that  we  have  departed  from  hijn  ;  but  we 
are  compelled  to  mourn  that  we  have  with  us  too  many  of 
the  remnants  of  those  vices  which  infect  the  world.  W'e 
have  restored  to  us  the  sincere  purity  of  doctrine,  a  sound 
devotion,  the  pure  worship  of  God,  and  the  genuine  order  of 
the  Sacraments,  such  as  Christ  dehvered  to  his  Church ; 
but  the  principal  reason  why  that  correction  of  life  and  mo- 
rals prevails  so  much  less  than  it  ought,  is  that  a  great  part 
of  the  people,  still  remembering  that  unbridled  licentious- 
nessj  in  which  the  Papists  indulge  themselves  without  re* 
straint,  cannot  be  brought  to  submit  to  the  yoke  of  Giri&t. 
Our  enemies,  however,  that  they  may  injure  us  among  the 
ignorant,  falsely  declare,  that  we  are  without  any  discipline 
or  order.  But  this  one  thing  would  abundautly  refute  their 
calumny,  if  we  should  be  silent,  that  \^  e  have  no  greata^ 
contests  among  ourselves  than  those  about  our  inmioderate- 
rigour,  as  our  discipUire  is  indeed  accounted  by  niai^.    You 


IGO  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1553 

are  the  best  witnesses,  for  me  and  my  colleagues,  tliat  we  are 
not  more  austere  and  restrictive  than  the  obUgation  of  our 
office  requires  and  compels  us  to  be.  We  therefore  rest  our- 
selves on  the  correct  judgment  of  your  consciences,  which 
are  prompt  to  judge  from  things  before  you,  concerning  us, 
and  on  the  other  hand,  to  perceive  ho^v■  ridiculous  is  the  im* 
pudence  of  the  Papists. 

"  I  will  no^v  say  some  things  of  m5'^self.  Although  my 
numerous  writings,  I  trust,  would  testify  to  the  world,  hoAV 
I  have  governed  this  Church,  yet  I  have  judged  it  proper 
4o  produce  some  appropriate  monument  of  the  fact,  which 
should  bear  the  inscription  of  your  name.  It  is  of  great 
moment,  that  the  nature  of  the  doctrine,  which  you  know 
is  taught  by  me,  should  be  produced  before  all.  As  in  the 
books  which  I  have  hitherto  published,  I  have  studied  to 
profit  both  you  and  the  people  under  your  government,  after 
ray  death,  it  is  by  no  means  becoming  that  the  doctrine, 
which  hath  floored  from  your  city  to  foreign  nations,  produc- 
ing abundant  fruit  on  every  side,  should  be  neglected  in  this 
Church.  He  who  dedicates  this  Commentary  to  you  will,  I 
trust,  have  a  more  abiding  hold  upon  your  memories.  That 
this  may  be  the  case,  I  pray  God  himself  to  infix  these 
truths  upon  your  hearts,  with  his  own  finger,  that  they  may 
never  be  erased  by  the  wiles  of  the  adversary.  It  is  God 
only  who  can  give  success  to  my  labours,  who  gave  me  this 
mind  in  the  first  place,  that  t  should  have  nothing  more  at 
heart  than  to  provide  faithfully  for  the  salvation  of  you  all. 
That  I  am  at  a  great  distance  from  the  exact  diligence  of 
a  good  Pastor,  and  from  other  virtues  which  the  magnitude 
and  excellency  of  the  oflice  demands,  I  ingenuously  confess 
before  the  av  orld  ;  and  I  most  assiduously  deplore  before  God 
the  many  sins  which  obstruct  my  course.  This,  however, 
I  confidently  profess,  that  I  have  not  been  ^vanting  in  faith 
and  correctnees  of  disposition.    If,  hoAvever,  the  wicked  do 


1553  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  IGi 

not  cease  to  complain,  as  it  is  my  part  to  confute  their  ca- 
lumnies, by  well  doing,  so  it  is  yours  to  restrain  them  as 
much  as  you  are  able  by  a  sacred  exercise  of  your  authority. 
Farewell,  most  noble  Lords,  highly  respected  by  me  in 
Christ,  to  whose  protection  I  commend  you. 
"  Geneva,  January  1,  1553." 

The  progress  and  establislmient  of  the  Reformation  in 
England  were  interrupted  by  the  premature  death  of  Ed- 
ward VI.  He  was  celebrated  for  an  amiable  disposition,  and 
unusual  talents  in  the  acquirement  of  learning.  Hooper,  in 
a  letter  to  Bullinger,  written  in  1550,  observes,  "  For  a 
thousand  years  there  has  not  been  any  person  of  his  age,  (thir*- 
teen),  who  had  such  a  mixture  both  of  piety  and  learning, 
with  so  true  a  judgment  as  appeared  in  him.  If  he  should 
live,  and  go  on  suitably  to  these  beginnings,  he  would  be  th& 
wonder  and  terrour  of  the  world.  He  took  notes  of  all  thfe 
.<ermons  he  heard  ;  and  after  dinner,  he  asked  the  young  per- 
sons that  were  bred  up  with  him,  an  account  of  what  they 
remembered  of  the  sermon,  and  went  over  the  whole  matter 
with  them."*  Calvin,  in  1551,  published  his  Commentaries 
on  Isaiah,  and  the  Canonical  Epistles,  and  dedicated  them  to 
Edward ;  he  wrote  also  some  private  letters  to  this  young 
Prince,  to  stir  up  his  excellent  disposition,  in  forwarding  the 
work  of  Reformation  in  the  Church.  Edward  succeeded  his 
father,  Henry  VIII.,  in  1547,  at  the  age  of  nine  years  ;  and 
during  the  seven  years  of  his  reign,  the  progress  of  the  cause 
of  religion  was  extensively  advanced  under  the  influence  of 
Cranmer,  Somerset,  Ridley,  Grindal,  Peter  ]\Iartyr,  Bucer,| 
Dr.  Cox,  and  many  others,  who  revised  the  Litm'gy  and  Arti- 
cles of  the  English  Church  from  most  of  the  corruptions  of  Po- 

"  Bumet,  Hist,  of  Reform,  vol.  3,  p.  198. 
t  S9e  Notes  and  Biog.  Xo.  14. 

21 


.%,• 


Itj2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1554 

pery.  Tlie  letters  of  Calvin  to  the  Duke  of  Somerset,  to  Cran- 
mer,  to  Edward,  and  the  Lords  of  the  Council,*  and  his 
theological  writings  had  their  proportionate  influence  in  the 
revision  of  the  Liturgy  in  1552,  and  also  in  1562,  under 
Queen  Elizabeth.  Heylin  himself  states,  that  the  only  cause 
^vhich  led  to  the  revision  of  the  Liturgy  in  1550,  was  the  in- 
fluence of  Calvin,  and  that  some  things  were  rejected,  and 
some  articles  superinduced,  in  the  revision  of  the  Liturgy,  in 
compliance  with  his  opinion. 

The  same  writer,  in  his  zeal  against  the  Presbyterians, 
says,  "  That  he  (Calvin)  had  his  emissaries  in  the  Court 
and  among  the  Clergy  ;  his  agents  in  the  city  and  country ; 
iiis  intelligencers  (one  Monsieur  Nicholas  among  the  rest) 
in  the  University.  All  of  them  active  and  industrious  to 
advance  his  purposes ;  but  none  more  mischievously  practi- 
tal  than  John  Alasco,  a  Polonian  born,  but  a  profest  Calvi- 
niaru"  He  then  charges  Alasco  with  introducing  the  table 
and  posture  of  sitting  at  the  Lord's  Supper  first  in  Eng- 
land •,  and  adds — "  Not  to  proceed  to  more  particulars,  let 
it  suffice,  that  these  emissaries  (of  Calvin,  Peter  Martyr,  Fa- 
gius,  Bucer,  Alasco,  and  others)  did  so  ply  their  work,  by 
continual  soliciting  of  the  King,  the  Council  and  Convoca- 
tion, that  at  last  the  book  (of  Common  Prayer)  was  brought 
to  a  review.  The  product  and  result  w^hereof  was  the  se- 
cond  Liturgy  confirmed  in  Parliament,  anno  5,  6,  Edw.  VI., 

1552. Thereupon  we  may  conclude,  that  the  first 

Liturgy  was  discontinued,  and  the  second  superinduced  upon 
it,  after  this  review,  to  give  satisfaction  unto  Calvin's  cavils, 
the  curiosities  of  some,  and  the  mistakes  of  others  of  his 
friends  and  followers.^^-f 

In  consequence  of  the  answers  of  the  Helvetick  Churches, 
approbating  the  Consistory,  on  the  2d  of  Feb.  1554,  the  djf- 

*  See  Letters,  Nos.  36—42,  45,  53,  t  Heylin,  pp.  206,  80?.' 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  163 

ficulties  were,  by  solemn  promise  in  the  presence  of  the  Senate, 
consigned  to  oblivion.  The  faction,  however,  still  dissatisfi- 
ed with  restraints,  increased  in  their  immoralities,  and  pm*su- 
ed  their  former  purposes.  Calvin  exerted  his  extensive  influ- 
-ence  to  recal  them  to  an  honomrable  course  of  life ;  and  to 
strengthen  the  virtuous  against  their  contagious  examples. 
Their  habits  of  perversity  were,  hoAveverj^too  strong  to  be 
corrected  by  persuasive  means.  Disappointed  but  not  hum- 
bled, in  the  desperate  hope  of  success,  they  turned  the  word 
of  God  into  obscene  songs,  for  the  purpose  of  ridiculhig  the 
Psalms  which  Avere  sung  in  the  worship  of  Geneva.  The  ex- 
iles* who  had  resorted  to  the  city  for  protection,  and  who 
were  strongly  attached  to  Calvin,  were  grossly  insulted,  and 
even  robbed  in  their  evening  walks.  On  the  accession  of 
Queen  Mary,  persecutions  began  against  the  Reformers  in 
England,  and  great  numbers  were  driven  into  Germany  and 
Switzerland.  Providence  opened,  in  these  countries,  a  secui'e 
retreat  for  the  friends  of  the  pure  doctrines,  who  had  a  few 
years  before,  under  the  oppressive  Interim  of  Charles  Y.,  ip- 
ceived  the  exiled  Germans  with  hospitaJity  in  England.  Cal- 
vin felt  a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  English,  who 
took  up  their  residence  at  Vesel,  Embden  and  Frankfort. 
Being  of  different  opinions  on  the  subject  of  Church  order 
and  Avorship,  those  at  Frankfort  applied  to  Calvin  for  advice. 
His  ansA\^er  is  interesting,  and  as  Dr.  Heylin  has  translated  it, 
it  shall  be  given,  verbatim,  from  his  History  of  the  Presbyte- 
rians. 

"  Calvin  to  the  English  at  Frankfort,  Avishes  health, 

"  It  is  no  small  affliction  to  me,  and  in  itself  no  less  incon- 
venience, that  a  contention  should  be  raised  between  breth- 
ren professing  the  same  faith,  and  living  as  banished  men  or 
exiles  for  the  same  religion;  especially  for  such  a  cause, 


Ibi  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1554 

which,  in  this  time  of  your  dispersion,  ought  to  have  been 
the  bond  of  peace  to  bind  you  the  more  firmly  to  one  ano- 
ther. For  what  ought  rather  to  be  aimed  at  by  you  in  this 
M'oiul  condition,  than  that  being  torn  away  from  the  bowels 
of  your  native  country,  you  should  put  yourselves  into  a 
Church,  which  might  receive  you  in  her  bosom  conjoined  to- 
gether (hke  the  (Jiildren  of  the  same  parent)  both  in  hearts 
and  tongues  ?  But  at  this  time,  in  my  opinion,  it  is  very  un- 
reasonable that  troubles  should  be  raised  amongst  you  about 
ceremonies,  and  forms  of  prayer  (as  happens  commonly 
amongst  those  who  live  in  wantonness  and  ease),  by  means 
whereof  you  have  been  hindered  hitherto  from  growing  into 
one  body.  I  do  not  biame  the  constancy  of  those  men,  who 
being  un\villingly  drawn  into  it,  do  earnestly  contend  in  an 
honest  cause ;  but  rather  the  stubbornness  of  those,  m  hich 
hitherto  hath  hindered  the  holy  purpose  of  forming  and  es- 
tablishing a  Church  amongst  you.  For  as  I  use  to  shew 
myself  both  flexible  and  facile  in  things  indifferent,  as  all 
rites  and  ceremonies  are,  yet  I  cannot  always  think  it  profita- 
ble to  comply  with  the  foolish  waywardness  of  some  few  men, 
who  are  resolved  to  remit  nothing  of  their  ancient  customs. 
I  cannot  but  observe  many  tolerable  fooleries  in  the  English 
Liturgy,  such  as  you  have  described  it  to  me  ; — in  Anglicana 
Liturgia,  quclcm  dcscribUis,  iuultas  video  fuisse  tolerabiles  in- 
eptias.  By  Mhich  two  words,  (those  names  of  tolerable  foole- 
ries) I  mean  only  tliis,  that  there  is  not  such  purity  or  perfec- 
tion, as  w  as  to  be  desked  in  it ;  which  imperfections,  notwith- 
standing, not  being  to  be  remedied  at  the  first,  were  to  be 
borne  i\  ith  for  a  time,  in  regard  that  no  manifest  impiety 
T^  as  contained  in  them.  It  was  therefore  so  far  lawful  to  be- 
gin A\  ith  such  beggarly  rudiments  {a  talibus  dementis),  that 
the  learned,  grave  and  godly  JMinisters  of  Christ  might  be 
thereby  encouraged  for  proceeding  farther,  in  setting  out 
somewhat  whicli  might  prove  more  pure  aiid  perfect,.    If 


1334  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1G5 

true  religion  had  flourished  till  this  time  in  the  Church  of 
England,  it  had  been  necessary  that  many  things  in  that 
hook  should  have  been  omitted,  and  others  altered  to  the  bel- 
ter. But  now  that  all  such  principles  are  out  of  force,  {A^imc 
quiim  ever  sis  illis  principiis)  and  that  you  were  to  constitute 
a  Church  in  another  place,  and  that  you  were  at  liberty  to 
compose  such  a  form  of  worship  which  might  be  useful  to 
the  Church,  (de  integro  componere)  and  more  conduce  to 
edification,  than  the  other  did  ;  I  know  not  what  to  think  of 
those  who  are  so  much  delighted  with  the  dregs  of  Popery, 
(quid  sibi  velint  nescio,  quos  feeds  Papisticx  reliquicetantopcrr 
delectant.)  But  commonly  men  love  those  things  l^est  to 
which  they  have  been  most  accustomed.  Which  though  in 
the  first  place  it  may  seem  a  vain  and  childish  folly,  yst  in 
the  next  place  it  may  be  considered,  that  such  a  new  model 
is  much  different  from  an  alteration,  (nova  ins^itutio). 
Howsoever,  as  I  would  not  have  you  too  stiff  and  perempto- 
ry, if  the  infirmity  of  some  men  suffer  them  not  to  come  up 
to  your  own  desires ;  so  I  must  needs  adraonisli  others,  not  to 
be  too  much  pleased  with  their  wants  and  ignorances ;  nor  to  re- 
tard the  course  and  progress  of  so  good  a  work  by  their  own  per- 
verseness ;  nor  finally,  to  be  transported  in  the  manner  by  sucli 
foolish  emulation.  For  what  other  ground  have  they  for  this 
contention,  but  that  they  think  it  a  disgrace  to  yield  unto 
better  counsels  ?  But  possibly  I  may  address  my  words  in 
vain  to  those,  Avho  perad venture  may  not  ascribe  so  much  un- 
to me,  as  to  vouchsafe  to  hearken  unto  any  advice  w\\\zh  doth 
proceed  ivom  such  a  despicable  author,  (a  tali  auctorc.)  If 
any  of  them  fear  that  any  sinister  report  will  be  raised  of. 
them  in  England,  as  if  they  had  forsaken  that  religion  for 
which  they  put  themselves  into  voluntary  exile,  lliey  are 
much  deceived.  For  this  ingenuous  and  sincere  profession 
>vill  rather  compel  those  godly  men,  which  are  It^ft  bcliind, 
seriously  to  cqnsider  what  a  deep  a])yss  tliey  arc  falk-n  into ; 


166  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1554! 

wliose  dangorourf  estate  as  ill  more  grievously  wound  them, 
when  they  shall  s-cc  tlial  you  have  travelled  beyond  the  middle 
of  that  course,  fi?t»m  which  they  have  been  so  unhappily  re- 
tracted, or  l)rought  back  again.  Farewell,  ray  most  dear 
brethren,  the  faithful  servants  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  be  you 
still  under  the  governance  and  protection  of  the  Lord  your 
God. 

«  Geneva,  January  15,  1551." 

The  controversy  still  continued.  Dr.  Cox,  who  had  been 
tutor  to  Ed^  ard  VI.,  and  one  of  the  principal  revisers  of 
the  Liturgy  in  1552,  was  with  others  strenuous  to  adhere  to 
the  English  forms.  Sir  Francis  Knollis,  Mr.  Knox,  Mr. 
Goodman,  and  Mr.  Whittingham,  afterwards  Dean  of  Dur- 
ham, were  determined  upon  a  still  farther  reform  in  their 
Liturgy.  In  this  situation  Dr.  Cox  and  fourteen  others  ad- 
dressed a  letter  to  Calvi^i  for  his  advice.  The  following  is 
the  answer.  • 

"  Calviit  to  Cox  and  his  associates,  Salutem  dicit. 

"  I  have  delayed  answering  your  letter,  excellent  men  and 
beloved  brethren,  longer  perhaps  than  you  hoped  or  ex- 
pected. But  when  you  know  that  the  way  has,  for  some- 
time, been  beset  by  robberp,  so  that  a  messenger  can  with  di- 
ficully  go  to  you  from  this  place,  you  will  readily  pardon 
nie  tliis  delay.  I  have  freely  comnmnicated  to  our  good 
brother  Thomas  Sampson,  what  I  learned  from  the  letters  of 
some  persons  concerning  the  unhappy  contest  which  was 
agitated  among  you.  Some  of  my  friends  also  complain, 
that  you  defend,  with  such  precision,  the  English  ceremo- 
nie?,  a=  ^Iioms  you  evidently  to  be  too  strongly  wedded  to 
the  forms  of  your  country.  I  confess  I  have  heard  the  rea- 
sons which  you  p^blickly  allege,  as  forbidding  you  to  de,* 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  IGT 

part  at  all  from  the  established  forms ;  but  they  were  such 
as  admitted  a  prompt  and  easy  confutation.  As  I  have  ex- 
horted those  who  dissent  from  you,  that  they  should  yield 
all  the  moderation  possible,  so  I  was  displeased,  that  on  your 
part,  you  conceded  or  remitted  nothing.  But  as  the  name 
of  no  individual  was  expressly  mentioned  to  me,  I  dared  not 
make  any  interposition,  lest  my  confidence  should  expose  me 
to  the  accusation  of  rashness.  But  I  now  rejoice,  that 
you  have  been  more  courteous  and  tractable  about  this 
controversy  ;  and  that  the  whole  business  has  been  amicably 
adjusted.  Surely  no  one,  I  believe,  in  his  sound  judgment, 
will  deny,  that  Tapers,  Crosses,  and  the  fopperies  of  this 
vanity,  have  proceeded  from  superstition.  Whence  I  con- 
clude, that  those  who  retain  them,  fi'om  their  o\vn  deliberate 
opinion,  too  passionately  drink  from  the  dregs.  I  see  no  rea- 
son why  the  Church  should  be  burdened  by  such  frivolous 
and  impertinent  ceremonies ;  not  to  call  them  pernicious,  the 
proper  epithet,  when  the  liberty  is  permitted  you  of  compos- 
ing a  pure  and  simple  order  of  worship.  But  I  restrain  my- 
self, lest  I  may  appear  to  excite  new  difterences  about  a 
matter  that  is,  as  I  liear  from  you,  now  well  settled.  This 
indeed  I  do  not  dissemble,  that  in  my  opinion,  it  was  neither 
done  in  a  pious  nor  brotherly  manner,  if  N.  (Knox)  was  call- 
ed in  question  on  any  clandestine  information  of  individuals. 
It  would  have  been  better  for  you  to  have  remained  in  your 
own  country,  than  to  kindle  the  fire  of  unjust  cruelty  in  a 
foreign  country,  which  may  inflame  others,  however  unwil- 
ling. But  as  it  grieves  me  to  touch  even  lightly  upon  crimes, 
the  memory  of  which  I  wish  was  buried  in  perpetual  oblivion, 
I  will  only  exhort  you,  my  respected  brethren,  to  give  all 
diligence  to  pacify  the  minds  of  those  whom  you  perceive  to 
be  justly  agitated  at  the  offence  of  those  individuals.  When  I 
heard  that  some  ^\  ere  determined  to  leave  that  City,  (Frank- 
fort) I,  earnestly  admonished  them,  as  was  my  duty,  that  if  it 


W8  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  15^ 

was  not  convenient  for  tlierii  all  to  dwell  together  in  the  same 
place,  by  no  means  to  sufler  the  distance  of  places  to  destroy 
their  brotherly  communion.  I  was  apprehensive,  that  some 
secret  dislike,  from  their  former  contentions,  might  still  re- 
main. Nothing  will  be  more  grateful  to  me,  than  to  be  de- 
livered from  this  apprehension.  For  if  any  should  come  to 
this  city,  the  very  suspicion  of  a  secret  dissension  among 
yourselves  Avould  giieve  me  much.  I  hope,  therefore,  that 
what  you  write  of  the  free  reconciliation  may  be  firm,  and 
extensively  lasting ;  so  that  if  any  part  should  go  forth  to 
any  other  place,  you  may,  notwithstanding  local  distance, 
gtill  cultivate  a  holy  friendship.  There  has  been  sin  enough 
already  committed,  although  discord  should  proceed  no  far- 
ther. But  prudence  and  equity  demand  of  you,  carefully  to 
purge  away  whatever  of  alienation  may  still  remain,  that 
you  may  be  held  together  in  the  l>onds  of  charity.  May  the 
Lord  protect  you  l)y  his  power,  direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  fol- 
low you  with  his  blessing,  and  mitigate  the  afflictions  of  your 
banishment. 
"  Geneva,  June  12,  1554." 

Notwithstanding  the  plain  and  paciflck  advice  of  Calvin, 
those  who  were  in  favour  of  reforming  the  l.iturgy  were  un- 
der the  necessity  of  removing  from  Frankfort.  They  took 
refuge  in  Geneva,  and  established  an  English  Church  in  con- 
formity to  the  Presbyterian  order.  Knox  and  Goodman  were 
the  Pastors,  who  afterwards  returned  to  Scotland,  and  the 
other  members,  after  the  death  of  Mary,  to  England.   • 

During  this  year,  a  controversy  arose  between  the  Minis- 
ters of  the  French  Church  at  Strasburg,  about  the  Eucha- 
rist. The  folioAving  letter  will  present  some  things  not  unin- 
teresting. Jerome  Zanchius  is  the  brother  designated  by  the 
letter  N.  as  appears  from  Melchior  Adam's  Life  of  Zanchius, 
jfnd  fiom  Bavlr, 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  \m 


"  J.  CiLViN  TO  Dr.  M-VRPAtHius,  Pastor  of  the  Church  of 
Strasburg. 

"  For  almost  s'ix  months,  I  liave  heard,  Avith  great  grief, 
many  thhigs  about  the  disturbances  in  the  French  Church 
which  is  with  you.  "While  those  few  wicked  and  obstinate 
men  are  determined  to  trouble  our  brother  N.  their  outrage 
is  the  cause,  which  disturbs  Avith  contention  that  little  Church, 
to  which  the  Lord  granted  a  place  of  refuge  among  you.  It 
is  not  strange  that  this  ne^rs  should  be  sad  and  severe  to  me  ; 
for  the  scattering  of  this  flock  would  Avring  my  very  heart 
with  sorrow  ;  as  it  was  God's  will  that  I  should  formerly  col- 
lect them  by  my  labour,  and  cherish  them  for  a  season.  Al- 
though I  was  very  anxious,  that  some  remedy  should  be  sea- 
sonably applied  ;  yet  as  I  hoped  that  Avhatever  tumults  Avere 
excited  they  would  be  easily  quelled  by  your  and  your  bro- 
ther's prudence  and  moderation,  I  thought  it  best  for  me  to 
remain  silent,  lest  I  might  give  you  unnecessary  trouble,  or 
appear  to  distrust  your  equity.  But  as  it  is  rumoured,  that 
affairs  are  daily  growing  worse,  I  determined  to  write  to  you, 
for  my  grief  Avould  not  allow  me  to  be  silent  any  longer. 
But  while  I  am  reflecting  on  this,  behold  a  more  joyful  mes- 
senger annoxmces,  that  your  most  noble  Senate  are  taking 
proper  measures  to  restrain  the  audacity  of  those  five  wicked 
men ;  that  now  the  commotions  are  quieted ;  and  that 
the  state  of  things  is  at  least  tolerable.  I  wish  all  things  \\  ere 
settled  according  to  our  prayers,  so  that  nothing  should  re- 
main but  for  me  to  congratulate,  upon  pure  and  stable 
grounds.  But  as  there  is  yet  a  certain  sad  suspicion  and  fear 
of  what  is  still  to  come,  I  thought  it  was  my  duty  to  give 
all  diligence  to  remove  this  evil.  Two  things,  as  far  as  I  ^n 
understand,  were  the  principal  cause?  of  all  these  evils.  In 
the  beginning,  N.  was  complained  of  for  thin}iingAnd  teach- 

22 


HO  LllE  OF  CALVIN,  1554 

ing  diilereiitly  fiom  you  on  the  LorcVs  Supper.  I  will  not  say 
hy  whom,  or  Avitli  Avhat  intention,  the  means  of  peace  should 
ha^  e  been  used.  The  trial  of  the  cause  was  commenced. 
But  if  the  business  had  been  transacted  with  good  faitli,  it 
ought  to  have  been  dismissed.  He  who  had  been  accused 
gave  a  confession  of  his  faith.  How  true,  how  evident,  and 
how  full,  I  do  not  determine.  This  is  suificient  for  me,  that 
it  was  admitted.  Therefore  I  have  thus  heretofore  thought 
■•.ritJi  myself,  that  the  opinion  of  your  brother  and  fellow 
IMinister,  if  not  wholly  approbated  by  your  silence,  was  de 
dared  tolerable.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed,  that  during  thi? 
time  you  Avere  obliquely  contriving  any  secret  artifices. 
Could  I  suppose,  therefore,  but  that  more  than  was  just  had 
been  granted  to  tliose  five  unprincipled  men,  by  which  thej 
were  enabled  to  disturb  the  Church  ?  This  ought  to  be  ex- 
amined, in  order,  by  you  all,  Avhether  it  is  lawful  or  becom- 
ing, indeed  Avhether  it  is  right  and  courteous,  to  cherish 
against  their  Pastor  five  turbulent  men,  who  have  openly  se- 
parated from  the  body  of  the  Church.  But  as  this  wound  is 
noA\  healed,  I  return  to  the  first  subject.  I  do  not  sufficient- 
ly comprehend  what  was  demanded  of  N.  more  than  he 
performed.  You  ought  to  be  careful,  that  he  should  not  be 
pressed  Avith  too  much  precision.  If  that  excellent  servant  of 
God,  and  faithful  Doctor  of  the  Church,  Luther,  Avas  now 
living,  even  he  Avould  not  be  so  severe  or  implacable,  but 
that  he  Avould  willingly  admit  this  confession,  that  Avhat  the 
Sacraments  represent  is  truly  given  us  •,  and  therefore  in  the 
Lord's  Supper  Ave  ai*e  made  partakers  of  the  body  and  blood 
of  Christ.  For  how  often  has  hi>  declared,  that  the  only 
^ound  of  his  contention  Avas,  that  it  might  be  manifest,  that 
the  Lord  did  not  trifle  Avitli  us,  by  empty  signs,  but  that  he 
effected  Avithin,  Avhat  he  proposed  to  our  eyes,  and  thence 
the  effect  Avas  connected  Avith  the  signs.  Tliis  is  agreed  upon" 
aniong  us,  unless  I  am  greatly  deceived,  that  the  LordV 


155i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1 7  i 

Supper  is  not  a  theatrical  spectacle  of  the  spiritual  food,  but 
that  what  is  represented  is  really  given  ;  because  at  tJie  Sup- 
per the  pious  souls  are  fed  with  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Christ . 
Although  I  address  myself  to  you,  rather  in  the  character  ot 
an  intercessor,  than  of  an  instructor,  yet  I  must  freely  say, 
that  those  would  be  too  morose,  who,  not  contented  with 
this  moderation,  w  oiild  depose  their  brother  from  the  minis- 
try- Besides,  it  is  a  pernicious  example,  that  he  who  was 
rightly,  and  in  order,  called  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  should 
be  deposed  without  a  lawful  judgment  of  the  Church,  and  at 
the  mere  will  of  the  Senate.  It  indeed  begins  to  be  tlie 
custom  in  many  places ;  but  I  have  often  seen  it  fall  on  the 
heads  of  those  who  knowingly  and  wilfully  betrayed  the 
rights  of  the  Church.  The  sacred  memory  of  Capita  and 
Bucer,  which  still  flourishes  among  all  the  pious,  and  will,  I 
hope,  long  flourish,  whose  faith  and  prudence,  erudition  and 
integrity,  were  well  lmo^vn,  still,  like  a  lamp,  illuminates 
that  place,  so  that  whatever  is  done  on  either  side  by  you, 
will  be  more  conspicuous,  and  more  publick  for  an  example. 
Whatever  was  their  form  of  worship,  in  preserving  the  order 
of  the  Church,  they  would  have  suffered  death  ten  times, 
before  they  would  have  approved,  I  do  not  say  by  their  con- 
sent, but  even  by  their  silence,  of  the  forcible  deposition  of  a 
Pastor.  If  you,  or  your  colleagues,  should  hope  to  derive 
any  benefit  from  my  presence,  verily  I  should  not  refuse  the 
labour  of  going.  Indeed  I  would  the  more  willingly  go  to 
you,  because  I  see  myself  also  involved  in  this  controversy. 
It  would  be  very  afflicting  to  me,  to  see  that  kind  of  doctrine, 
which  I  formerly  so  freely  taught  there,  both  in  the  Churcli 
and  the  school,  rejected  with  slight.  But  I  v>  ould  not  be  too 
importunate.  I  did  not  intend  to  proceed  farther  than  by 
asking,  advising,  entreating  and  exhorting  you,  that  I  jnight 
procm-e,  in  this  way,  the  peace  of  my  pious  brother,  and  of 
the  unhappy  little  Church.     If  I  hem-  that  I  Jiavt  obtained 


372  LIfE  or  CALVIN.  1554( 

the  object,  I  so  much  desire,  it  will  afford  us  all  very  great 
joy.  Farewell,  excellent  man,  with  my  dearest  brethren, 
your  fellow  Ministers,  who  with  you  govern  that  Church, 
to  whom,  if  you  think  proper,  I  wish  the  contents  of  this  Iet-» 
ter  to  be  made  known.  Blay  the  Lord  protect  you  all,  and 
direct  you  with  the  spirit  of  prudence,  rectitude,  equity  and 
constancy,  and  may  he  bless  your  labom's.     Amen. 

"  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

«  Geneva,  August  24, 1554." 

The  following  letter,  written  to  the  excellent  and  learned 
Sleidan,  in  the  confidence  of  friendship,  relates  to  the  affairs 
of  the  Church  at  Strasburg  : — 

"  Calvin  to  John  SLEiOAN,  wishes  health. 

"  Being  informed  lately,  by  the  letter  of  our  brother  N. — ■ 
that  you  were  one  of  the  three,  appointed  by  the  Senate  to 
to  govern  the  French  Church,  I  was,  as  might  be  expected, 
greatly  rejoiced ;  and  I  trust  that,  this  will  long  be  to  me  a 
matter  of  joy.  For  I  conclude,  that  this  office  was  imposed 
upon  you  rather  by  the  wisdom  of  God  than  of  man,  that 
by  your  prudence  and  fidelity  j^ou  might  quiet  those  distur- 
bances which  the  adversary  has  hitherto  excited.  From 
this  circumstance  you  will  therefore  take  care,  that  no  occasion 
be  given  to  the  wicked  to  raise  any  tumult.  Now  then  that 
little  flock  has  been  provided  for  according  to  the  pray- 
<  r  of  my  heart.  It  is  not  from  fear  that  I  refrain  from  ex- 
horting you  to  your  duty,  but  because  I  esteem  it  to  be  mi- 
iiecessary.  How  much  I  ou^t  to  rejoice  at  the  agreement 
of  Melancthon  with  us  in  one  thing,  I  know  not ;  since  on  the 
chief  points,  he  openly  attacks  the  sound  doctrine,  and  is  ei- 
ther selling  himself  to  the  Philosophers,  or  for  fear  of  exciting 
the  hatred  of  some  indi\iduals  against  himself,  he  craftily,  or 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ITS 

at  least  disingenuously,  conceals  his  opinion.  JMay  the  Lord 
grant  him  a  stronger  resolution,  lest  from  his  timidity  pos- 
terity suffer  an  extensive  injury. 

"  Within  three  months,  five  ox  six  have  been  burnt  in 
Aquitaine,  in  whose  death  Christ  has  gloriously  triimiphed. 
Lately  also,  in  a  town  of  the  Venetian  Republick,  a  little  be- 
yond Vulturnia,  a  pious  man,  well  known  to  me,  confessed 
Christ  with  admirable  constancy,  to  the  last  breath.  We 
have  nothing  new,  but  what  is  equally  known  to  you.  Fare- 
well, excellent  and  much  respected  man.*  Blay  the  Lord  al- 
ways protect  and  bless  yoi|,  together  with  your  family.  Con- 
cerning the  Turkish  fleet  we  have  received  more  certain  news, 
that  having  burnt  some  to^vns,  laid  waste  the  maritime  coun- 
try, and  taken  5000  prisoners,  they  have  returned  to  Greece. 

«  Geneva,  September  26,  1554." 

During  this  year,  Calvin  wrote  many  letters  to  forward 
the  work  of  Reformation  in  foreign  parts ;  and  laboured  to 
strengthen  the  faith  of  different  Churches,  and  of  the  perse- 
cuted brethren.  He  finished  about  this  time  his  learned  and 
elaborate  Commentary  upon  Genesis. 

The  two  following  are  selected  from  the  many  letters 
which  the  Genevese  Reformer  wrote  about  this  time  : — 

*'  Calvin  to  Martyr,  wishes  health. 

"  Although  our  friend  John  Sturmius,  when  he  ga\'e  me 
his  advice  concerning  the  dedication  of  my  CommentarieSj 

*  John  Sleldan,  the  German  historian,  was  bom  1506,  and  died  at  Stras^ 
burg  1555.  He  wrote  the  history  of  the  state  of  religion  and  publick  af- 
fairs, in  25  books,  from  1517  to  1555.  This  history  is  esteemed,  by  the 
learned,  to  be  well  and  faithfully  written,  and  his  authority  is  respected, 
James  Sturmius,  a  magistrate  ot  Strasburg',  whose  influ^ce  was  great  in 
the  Reformation  in  that  city,  assisted  Slei4an  in  hjs  history.  James  Sturr 
ipnius  di«d  October^  155" 


I  i  i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1554 

added  that  you  Avere  of  the  same  mind,  yet  it  was  far  more 
pleasing  to  be  informed  of  the  same  by  your  own  letter. 
One  thing  I  fear,  that  my  Avork,  for  which  you  manifest  so 
mucli  regard,  Mill  not  be  worthy  of  so  high  estimation.  But 
how  happens  it,  that  j^ou  are  silent  about  your  own  Commen- 
taries on  the  same  book,  (Genesis)  ?  From  your  answer  to 
Robert  Stephens,  when  you  were  in  England,  I  expected 
that  they  Mould  be  shortly  published.  I  am  sorry,  that  the 
Church  of  God  should  be  so  long  deprived  of  those  advan- 
tages, which  I  believe  will  be  extensive.  In  the  present 
confused  mass  of  ]x)oks,  it  is  of  the  first  importance,  that  the 
Aveighty,  learned  and  solid  studies  of  pious  and  well-thinking 
men,  Mho  are  endowed  Avitli  equal  authority  and  judgment, 
should  be  published  ;  both  to  defend  the  purity  of  doctrine, 
that,  it  may  descend  unsullied  and  entire  to  posterity,  and 
to  repress  the  al>surd  levity  of  those,  Avho  throw  all  things 
into  confusion.  Concerning  MelanctliMi,  I  feel  very  much 
grieved.  It  is  not  sufficient  for  him  to  waver,  and  turn 
Mhich  May  soever  the  favour  of  men  will  carry  him,  or  be- 
tray the  truth  by  silence ;  but  he  must  endeavour  to  bring 
o\  cr  to  his  effeminacy  the  firm  servants  of  God,  whose  ex- 
ample it  Mould  rather  become  him  to  imitate.  You  have 
clone  excellently  m'cH,  in  professing  yourself  a  free  defender 
of  the  true  doctrine.  For  thus,  by  your  example,  a  rule  is 
prescribed  to  him,  how  far  peace  is  to  be  cherished,  that  he 
may  at  length  learn  to  aspire  to  some  portion  of  a  deter- 
mined mind.  I  have  written  to  your  colleague,  at  the  re- 
<^uest  of  Sturmius,  Avho  would  too  submissively  gratify  him. 

.{loMTver  this  may  succeed-  in  pacifying  that  N- ,  I  shall 

jicver  repent  of  having  attempted  something.  If  some  have 
fallen  off,  it  is  your  duty  to  bear  a\  ith  more  fortitude  the 
burden  M'hich  is  imposed  upon  you.  Since  I  am  fully  con- 
A'inccd  that  you  do  tlii?:,  I  am  more  and  more  confirmed  in  the 
opinion,  that  you  were  detained  at  Strasburgby  the  wonderful 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  175 

Providence  of  God,  that  you  might  give  assistance  to  that  trou' 
bled  Church.  Please  to  salute  Zanchius  in  my  naiue.  Oiu* 
friend  the  Marquis  salutes  you.  Farewell,  most  excellent 
man,  and  respected  brother.  May  tiie  Lord  be  with  you 
always,  govern  you  and  bless  your  labours.  If  your  letters 
had  arrived  sooner,  your  advice  would  have  rendered  the 
exhortation  to  the  Princes  more  copious.  But  I  did  not  re- 
ceive them  till  after  the  middle  of  August.  My  colleagues 
salute  you. 

«  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

«  Geneva,  August  26,  1554." 

«  Calvin  to  Melancthon,  S.  D. 

**  I  am  gTieved,  and  very  much  wonder,  that  my  last  let-:^ 
ter  has  not  been  answered  by  you.  I  cannot  however  suspect 
that  this  arises  from  pride  or  contempt ;  as  nothing  could  be 
more  inconsistent  with  your  disposition  and  habits.  Having 
found,  therefore,  a  messenger  who  offers  to  take  th&  trouble 
of  carrying  my  letter  to  you,  I  tliought  I  Avould  again  at- 
tempt to  draw  something  from  you.  I  do  not  say  this,  be- 
cause I  question  your  love  for  me,  which  was  always  beyond 
measure  ;  but  because  I  judge  your  silence  to  be  prejudicial 
to  the  Church  of  God.  It  is  on  this  account  that  it  ought  to 
be  afflicting  and  troublesome  to  me. 

"  I  wrote  lately  on  that  point  of  doctrine,  about  which 
you  more  dissemble  your  own  opinion  than  differ  from  u&'. 
For  what  else  can  I  think  of  a  man  of  most  penetrating  judg- 
ment, and  so  eminently  skilled  in  the  divine  doctrines  ?  Since 
no  one,  who  is  moderately  conversant  in  the  sacred  writings, 
conceals  that  which  you  yourself  cover  as  unkno\vn.  And 
yet  the  knowledge  of  the  gratuitous  mercy  of  God  is  destroy- 
ed from  the  foundation,  unless  we  hold  this,  that  it  is  by  tlif 
mere  good  pleasure  of  God,  that  the  faithful,  whom  hf  ]im 


ire  LlF^  OF  CALVIN.  1554 

chosen  to  salvation,  are  fccparated  from  the  wickejj  ;  and  un- 
less this  is  allowed  also,  that  faith  emanates  from  the  secret 
election  of  God  ;  because  he  illuminates,  by  his  Spirit,  those 
t\hora  it  seemed  good  to  him  to  choose  before  they  were  born, 
and  plants  them  by  the  grace  of  adoption,  in  his  family. 
Consider,  with  your  usual  prudence,  how  absurd  it  is,  that 
this  doctrine  should  be  unsettled  by  so  eminent  a  Divine. 
You  must  see,  that  it  will  aiford  a  very  pernicious  example, 
if  in  our  writings  such  a  manifest  difference  should  be  ob- 
served. Nor  will  I  prescribe  this  rule  for  removing  differ- 
ences, that  you  should  assent  to  my  opinion ;  but  let  us  by 
no  means  ])e  ashamed  to  subscribe  to  the  holy  oracles  of  God> 
I  will  readily  embrace  whatever  method  of  conciliation  shall 
be  pointed  out  as  agreeable  to  you.  Behold  ignorant  and 
turbulent  men  on  your  side,  renewing  the  sacramentarian 
war  ;  while  all  the  good  sigh  and  complain  that  such  men 
encourage  themselves  by  your  silence.  For  although  igno- 
rance is  bold,  yet  no  one  doubts,  but  that  if  you  profess  pub- 
lickly  Avhat  you  think,  you  would  subdue,  or  at  least,  in  a 
great  measure,  you  w  ould  easily  appease  their  intemperance. 
I  am  not  so  ignorant  of  human  natiu"e,  that  I  cannot  consider 
with  myself,  and  point  out  to  others  also,  the  kind  of  meit 
with  whom  you  have  to  deal ;  how  the  confusion  of  affairs 
keeps  you  anxious  and  perplexed ;  liow  many  things  must 
be  cu'cumspectly  observed  by  you,  which  impede  and  delay 
your  progress.  But  nothing  is  so  injurious  as  your  dissimu- 
lation. This  loosens  the  curb  upon  these  furious  men,  to  dis- 
turb and  excite  divisions  in  the  Churches.  I  will  not  men- 
tion how  dear  an  ingenuous  profession  of  the  true  doctrine 
ought  to  be  to  us.  You  know  that,  for  more  than  thirty 
years,  the  eyes  of  an  innumerable  multitude  have  been  fixed 
on  you,  desiring  nothing  more  than  to  submit  themselves  to 
jour  instruction.  What  ?  Are  you  ignorant,  that  many 
hang  is  suspense,  from  that  ambiguous  form  of  teax:hing,.to 


1554  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  177 

which  you  adhere  with  too  much  timidity.  But  if  you  are 
not  free  to  be  honest  to  yourself,  and  teach  substantially 
what  is  useful  to  be  known,  you  are  at  least  bound  to  exert 
yourself  to  bridle  the  intemperate  violence  of  those,  who  are 
officiously  raising  tumults  about  nothing.  For  what,  I  be- 
seech you,  would  these  men  have?  Luther  exclaimed, 
through  his  whole  life,  that  he  contended  for  nothing,  but 
to  assert  that  efficacy  which  he  attributed  to  the  sacraments. 
It  is  agreed,  that  they  are  not  empty  forms,  but  that  they 
give  truly  what  they  represent :  that  in  Baptism  the  efficacy 
of  the  Spirit  is  present,  to  wash  and  regenerate  us :  that  the 
holy  Supper  is  a  spiritual  feast,  in  which  we  are  truly  fed  by 
the  flesh  and  blood  of  Christ.  In  quelling  the  tumults, 
therefore,  which  these  preposterous  men  have  again  excited, 
the  cause  is  of  too  great  interest  to  suffer  us  to  yield  it  up 
tlu-ough  the  fear  of  hatred.  You  cannot  indeed  escape  these 
various  agitations,  in  the  course  you  are  pursuing.  All  our 
exertions  are  to  be  directed  to  this  single  point,  that  the 
brazen  wall  of  a  good  conscience  may  firmly  support  us, 
not  only  in  these,  but  in  all  the  violent  attacks  with  w  liich 
the  whole  world  may  assault  us.  Already  I  hear  you  call- 
ed, by  the  patrons  of  Osiander,  too  flexible,  and  charged  vrith 
being  more  devoted  to  profane  philosophy  than  to  the  doc- 
trines of  revelation.  This  reproach  wounds  me  more  severe- 
ly, than  if  those  malicious  and  perverse  men  should  object 
against  you  that  which  it  Avould  be  not  only  honourable  for 
you  to  confess,  but  magnificently  glorious  for  you  to  pro- 
claim as  your  opinion.  Farewell,  dearest  man  and  brother, 
respected  by  me  above  others.  May  the  Lord  be  your  de- 
fence, and  continue  to  guide  you  by  his  Spirit  even  unto  the 
»^nd. 

«  Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

"  Geneva,  August  26,  1554." 


23 


178  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1555 

The  union  of  sentiment  among  the  Swiss  Churches,  about 
the  Lord's  Supper,  had,  for  several  years,  been  a  souree  of 
strong-  consolation  to  the  Pastors  and  pious  brethren.  This 
agreement,  however,  had  been  equally  an  ol^ject  of  hatred  to 
the  factious  spuits  of  errour.  At  this  time,  Joachim  West- 
phal,  a  man  of  much  intemperate  violence,  rekindled  the 
fire  of  controversy.  He  was  strongly  bigoted  in  favour  of 
Consuljstantiation,  and  severe  in  his  opposition  to  the  doctrine 
of  Zuinglius  and  Calvin  about  the  Eucharist.  Heshusius, 
JMinister  at  Heidleburg,#  followed  up  the  attack  of  West- 
phal,  and  severely  abused  the  mild  and  perhaps  too  tempo- 
rizing Melancthon.  He  also  opposed  the  articles  of  union  be- 
tween the  Helvetick  Chmxhes,  relative  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 
Calvin  published  an  explanation  of  the  articles  of  agreement, 
whicli  greatly  established  the  fiiends  of  peace,  while  it  in- 
creased the  violence  of  Westphal  and  Heshusius  against  the 
opinions  of  those  Churches  on  that  subject.  Those  who 
wish  to  travel  over  the  ground  of  the  controversy,,  concern- 
ing the  spiritual  nature  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  real  presence  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
in  the  consecrated  elements,  on  the  other,  will  find  in  the 
tracts  of  Calvin,  in  answer  to  Westphal,  Heshusius  and  the 
JMagdeburgenses,  &c.  an  ample  and  elaborate  discussion  of 
tliat  much  controverted  question.  These  different  tracts 
were  published  in  1554,  1556,  155r,  and  1561.f 

The  following  letter  exhibits  the  state  of  Calvin's  mind, 
concerning  the  controversy  which  Westphal  had  excited  : — 

«  Calvin  to  Farex,  Salutem  dicit. 

"  My  dear  Farel — Although  I  might  justly  glory  in  the 
reproaches,  whicli  virulent  and  petulant  tongues  heap  upon 

•  See  Bayle,  f  See  Opuscule  Calvini,  p.  648—744. 


1555  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1^9 

me,  since  they  rail  at  nie  for  nothing,  but  what  I  believe 
God  and  his  Angels  approve,  yet  notAvithstanding,  I  earnest- 
ly desire  to  be  secreted  in  some  retirement ;  if  in  that  May 
their  fury,  which  appears  to  be  enkindled  by  my  presence, 
might  be  abated.  I  do  not  speak  of  the  worthless,  -w  hom  I 
have  long  since  learned  to  estimate  as  they  deserve.  But  it 
is  to  me  a  source  of  substantial  grief,  to  see  Heaven  con- 
stantly assaulted  by  giants,  out  of  hatred  to  me.  Let  us, 
however,  bear  it  patiently,  since  we  know  that  it  is  by  the 
direction  of  divine  Providence,  that  we  are  tossed  about  by 
so  great  tempests.  Westphal  has  published  an  illiberal  book 
against  me,  to  which  I  know  not  whether  it  is  expedient  to 
give  an  answer.  Some  of  my  friends  request  me  to  do  it. 
When  I  have  read  it,  the  Lord  will  direct  to  what  is  best. 
You  seem  to  suppose,  that  I  can  produce  a  volume  in  a 
moment,  and  would  have  me  publish  more  Commentaries 
than  could  be  written  in  the  course  of  a  long  life,  by  one 
who  was  freed  from  all  other  cares.  How  much  leisure 
time,  do  you  suppose  I  have,  after  discharging  my  official 
duties  ?  I  wish  others  would  undertake  to  refute  those  ag- 
gressive works.  I  will  most  earnestly  advise  Melancthon  to 
this  task ;  but  you  know  how  dilatory  he  is.  FareAvell,  best 
and  most  beloved  brother.  JVIay  the  Lord  be  always  Avith 
you,  protect  and  support  you.  My  brethren  and  friends  sa- 
lute you  much,  and  among  others  our  friend  Beza,  who  is 
now  with  me. 

«  Geneva,  October  10,  1555." 

The  labours,  the  trials  and  successive  contests,  which  Cal- 
vin had  to  pass  through,  in  preserving  the  order,  and  promo- 
ting the  purity  of  the  Church  of  Geneva,  were  extremely  ar- 
duous. Love  to  the  cause  of  Christ  was  his  ruling  passion. 
In  seeking  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  he  seems  to  have  lost 
sight  of  every  other  object.    His  confidence  in  the  special 


180  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  155^ 

Providence  of  his  Master,  was  unremitting.  He  was  firm  in 
his  hope,  that  the  sunshine  of  peace  would  ultimately  be  en- 
joyed in  that  Church.  In  a  person,  whose  feelings  were  so 
acute,  and  affections  so  strong  as  his  were,  for  the  purity  of 
doctrine  and  discipline,  the  immoralities  and  crimes  of  the 
members  of  that  Church  must  have  caused  the  most  painful 
sensations.  The  day  however  of  better  things,  to  the  Church 
and  Republick  of  Geneva,  was  now  at  hand.  In  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year  1555,  the  authors  of  sedition  against  ecclesi- 
astical restraints  prepared  the  way  for  their  own  destruction. 
Tliey  fell  victims  to  the  storm,  which  was  raised  by  their 
desperate  wickedness.  Some  of  the  leaders  were  capitally 
punished  ;  others  fled  from  theu'  country ;  and  all  of  them 
jcarae  to  a  shameful  end,  furnishing  an  example  of  the  slow 
but  just  judgment  of  God,  against  the  enemies  of  his  Church. 

Calvin,  in  a  letter  to  Bullinger,  gives  a  concise  statement 
relative  to  the  downfal  of  Perrin  and  his  faction.* 

The  Republick  of  Geneva  was  now  freed  from  those  fac- 
tious leaders,  Avho  had  opposed  the  order  of  the  Church,  and 
disturbed  the  administration  of  justice.  The  crafty,  ambi- 
tious and  immoral  Perrin,  who  had  so  long  continued  his 
baneful  labours,  was  now  completely  disgraced,  and  had  fled 
to  escape  punishment.  The  former  edicts  concerning  the  ec- 
clesiastical polity  were  reenacted,  by  the  unanimous  suifrages 
of  the  citizens.  A  new  tone  was  given  to  the  morals  of  the 
people ;  and  the  aflairs  of  the  Church  were  conducted  in 
comparative  peace. 

The  King  of  Poland,  having  read  Calvin's  Tract  concern- 
ing The  Reformation  of  the  Church,  became  interested  to  intro- 
duce the  principles  of  reform  more  extensively  into  the 
Churches  of  his  country.  He  requested  a  correspondence 
with  the  Divine  of  Geneva  ;  whose  letters  to  the  King,  and 

*  See  Letters,  No.  5?. 


1555  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  181 

other  distinguished  persons  in  Poland,  are  a  proof  of  his  as- 
siduity in  promoting  the  cause  of  Clirist  in  its  purity. 

This  year,  Mary,  Queen  of  England,  pursued  the  work 
of  persecution  with  great  violence.  Eight  hundred  persoas 
were  put  to  death,  at  diU'erent  times,  by  various  kinds  of 
punishment.  Among  the  great  number  of  JMinisters,  who 
were  burnt,  Nicholas  Ridley^  Hugh  Latimer ,  John  Hooper ^ 
Robert  Ferrar,  and  Thomas  Cranmer,  were  distinguished 
Martyrs.  The  remains  of  of  Martin  Bucer  and  Paul  Fagius 
were  dug  up,  and  committed  to  the  flames,  after  having  been 
bm'ied  about  four  years. #  Calvin  was  deeply  aiilicted  at 
the  death  of  those  eminent  English  Reformers.  With  Cran- 
mer he  had,  for  several  years,  a  correspondence,  which  had  a 
salutary  influence  in  reforming  the  Liturgy  of  the  English 
Church.  In  France  also,  persecutions  at  this  time  prevailed. 
Calvin  addressed  a  consolatory  letter  to  his  brethren,  who 
were  in  chains.  And  he  gave  the  most  animating  instruc- 
tions, to  encrease  the  fortitude,  and  strengthen  the  patience, 
of  the  five  Martyrs,  who  were  burnt  at  Cambray. 

Matthew  Gribauld,  a  Lawyer,  who  maintained  some  hereti- 
cal notions  concerning  the  being  of  God  and  the  Person  of 
Christ,  had,  for  several  years,  occasionally  visited  Geneva.f 
Some  Italiani,  who  had  been  under  his  instruction  at  Padua, 
introduced  him  to  Calvin,  with  whom  he  requested  to  have 
a  private  dispute,  upon  some  of  his  own  theological  dogmas. 
Calvin  agreed,  on  condition  that  there  should  be  proper  wit- 
nesses present  at  the  discussion.  This  he  refused.  AVlien  he 
came  again  to  that  city,  Calvin  informed  him,  by  a  friend, 
that  he  was  free  to  confer  with  him,  in  the  presence  of  his 
brother  Ministers,  and  three  Ecdesiastibus  Seidorihis-Churck 
Elders  ;  assuring  him,  that  he  need  fear  no  danger  from  any 
disclosure  of  his  sentiments.     Gribauld  agreed  to  the  propo> 

*  See  Bucholtzer's  Chronology,  Anno  1555. 

t  Epist.  t'alvinij  Georgio  Comiti  ^Yirtebergensi,  &c.  May  f!,  1557, 


182  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1555 

sal,  and  came  lo  the  appointed  place,  "where  Calvin  and  the 
others  ^ve^e  assembled.  Calvin  declined  giving  him  his  hand, 
and  excused  himself  from  using  any  deceitful  ceremonies 
with  one,  who  diifered  so  materially  on  the  essential  points  of 
religion.  lie  declared,  that  it  "oas  improper  to  put  on  appear- 
ances, Mhere  there  was  no  real  cordiality,  but  on  the  contrary 
an  entire  hostility  of  sentiment ;  and  that  if  they  could  agi'ee  on 
the  essential  principles  of  faith,  he  should  feel  and  would  treat 
him  with  all  due  respect.  Upon  this  Gribauld  left  the  room 
in  a  turbulent  manner.  The  seeds  of  heretical  opinions  were 
sown  by  this  man,  among  some  of  the  members  of  the  Italian 
Church,  which  was  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  amiable 
and  learned  Count  Martincnges.%  He  was  the  ultimate 
friend  of  Calvin,  and  while  he  lived  he  governed  his  little 
flock  at  Geneva  with  peculiar  care.  At  his  death,  he  commit- 
ted them  to  the  fatherly  protection  of  Calvin,  expressing 
great  anxiety,  lest  those  pernicious  principles  of  Gribauld 
should  prevail  to  their  ruin.  The  progress  of  heresy  is  from 
moderate  suggestions  to  bold  impieties.  So  it  was  with  Gri- 
bauld. He  escaped  punishment  by  fleeing  from  Tubingen, 
where  he  had  been  introduced  as  Professor  of  Law,  by  the 
favour  of  Vergerius.  By  the  Senate  of  Geneva  he  was  ex- 
cluded from  that  city.  He  was  afterwards  apprehended  at 
Bern,  and  upon  his  recantation,  was  released.  But  soon  af- 
ter, he  avowed  the-  same  opinions,  and  was  apprehended.  Be- 
ing seized  by  the  plague,  he  died  in  prison,  and  thus  escaped 
a  capital  punishment. f     Jerome  Bolseck,  after  he  was  exclu- 

*  Eplst.  Calvlni  ad  Marlyrem,  May  22,  1558. 

•j-  Matthew  Gribauld,  it  is  stated  by  Bayle,  wrote  and  published  a 
iiistoiy  of  Fravjcis  Spira.  In  tlue  title,  Gribauld  says  he  was  a  familiar  ac- 
quaintance cf  Spira,  in  1548,  and  that  he  wrote  what  he  saw  and  heard 
himself.  It  was  printed  .it  Basil,  1550.  Sleidan,  in  his  history,  de- 
clares that  Gribauld  w.is  a  spectator  of  the  sad  condition  of  Spira,  and 
that  he  wrot«  and  published  an  account  of  it ;  also,  that  many  others,  men 
ofldisllnction,  saw  Spira  in  that  situation,  which  the  history  describes. 


1556  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  lS3r 

ded  from  the  territory  of  Geneva,  resided  in  the  Canton  of 
Bern.  By  his  influence,  some  jNIinisters  in  that  quarter,  who 
were  unprincipled  and  licentious,  were  induced  to  allege 
against  Calvin,  That  he  made  God  the  author  of  all  evil,  be- 
cause he  excluded  nothing  from  his  eternal  Frovidencc  and  or- 
dination. Being  disposed,  by  misrepresentations,  to  injure 
the  reputation  of  Calvin,  they  disregarded  the  statements 
which  he  had  formerly  made  in  replying  to  the  same  objec- 
tions. Calvin  had  abmidantly  proved,  that  the  ordination  of 
God,  concerning  man,  jvas  consistent  nith  the  lams  of  moral 
agency  ;  and  without  attempting  to  explain  the  mystery,  as- 
serted, and  from  the  Scriptures  proved  the  fact,  that  the  di- 
vine sovereignty  was  absolute.  Though  personally  regard- 
less of  these  often  repeated  calumnies,  he  however,  from  con- 
cern for  the  cause  of  truth,  petitioned  the  Senate  for  permis- 
sion to  repair  to  Bern,  accompanied  by  delegates  from  that 
body,  in  order  to  defend  the  true  doctrines  of  religion  be- 
fore the  people  of  that  city.  The  points  of  doctrine  were 
amply  discussed.  Bolseck  was  ordered  to  depart  from  the 
territory  of  that  Canton.  Castalio,  who  was  more  artful  and 
secret  in  his  enmity  against  Calvin  and  those  doctrines,  was, 
from  learning,  talents  and  morals,  far  more  influential  than 
Bolseck  in  spreading  the  errours  of  Pelagius.  He  was  censur- 
ed, and  also  exiled  from  the  territory  of  Bern. 

Another  of  these  accusers,  and  not  the  least  violent,  ^^'as 
Andrew  Zebedeus.  He  was  a  Minister  of  Newburg,  four 
miles  from  Geneva.  Some  time  after  the  decease  of  Calvin, 
being  himself  on  his  death-bed,  he  assembled  the  principal 
citizens,  and  confessed  his  belief  of  the  doctrines  of  the  eter- 
nal Providence  and  absolute  sovereignty  of  God.  He  de- 
clared his  abhorrence  of  his  treatment  of  Calvin,  and  order- 
ed his  >vritings  on  those  subjects  to  be  burnt  in  his  presence. 

In  1556,  Calvin  was  seized  with  a  quartan  ague  during 
divine  service.     His  constitution  was  much  debilitated,  by 


184  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i5;5r 

tlie  discharge  of  his  numerous  official  duties,  and  by  his  un- 
remitting studies.  The  reformed  Church  at  Frankfort  ap- 
plied to  him  for  his  advice,  concerning  the  diiTerences  Avhich 
prevailed  among  them,  upon  the  subject  of  Baptism  and  the 
Lord's  Supper.  Among  the  letters,  which  he  wrote  this  year, 
is  one  addressed  to  the  Church  at  Frankfort,  and  others  to 
d  liferent  persons  in  that  city.  Having  recovered  his  health 
in  some  measure,  at  their  request,  he  made  a  visit,  in  the 
month  of  August,  to  that  Church,  to  assist  them  in  set- 
tling the  agitated  questions.  After  his  return,  he  resumed 
his  labours  in  preparing  his  Commentary  on  the  Psalms. 

Daring  the  reign  of  Henry  II.,  the  Reformers  in  France 
suffered  many  severe  persecutions.  They  had,  however, 
in  their  interest  many  noble  and  influential  persons,  at  the 
head  of  whom  w^as  Lewis,  first  Duke  of  Conde,  and  Gaspard 
de  Coligni,  Admu*al  of  France.  The  opposition  to  them 
was  powerful,  and  they  ^vere  obliged,  for  their  security,  to 
celebrate  the  Supper,  and  hold  their  meetings  in  private 
houses,  and  -with  secrecy.  A  large  number,  having  assem- 
bled, on  the  4th  of  September,  in  St.  James  street  at  Paris,# 
for  the  celebration  of  the  Supper,  Avere  discovered  by  the 
Papists.  Many  of  them  made  their  escape,  by  the  darkness 
of  tJie  night.  Eighty  were  apprehended,  imprisoned,  and 
treated  with  the  most  abusive  indignity.  Among  those 
were  many  noble  women  of  the  first  rank.  Henry  was  petu- 
lant and  cruel ;  and  at  this  time  his  furious  bigotry  was  es-  ■ 
pecially  enraged  at  the  loss  of  the  battle  of  St.  Quintin. 
Demochares,  a  Doctor  of  the  Sorbonne,  accused  them  of 
those  crimes,  which  the  Pagans  charged  against  the  first 
Christians.  Tlieir  enemies  reproached  tliem  A\ith  being  the 
cause  of  all  the  calamities  of  the  kingdom ;  and  suborned 
witnesses  to  testify,  that  in  their  nocturnal  meetings  they  in-, 

*  BCrcboU^ev's  Chronolo.^-.  1557. 


1558  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  185 

dulged  in  the  most  filtliy  lewdness.  The  King  ordered 
twenty-one  of  these  unhappy  persons  to  be  burnt  alive.  Seven 
of  these  were  to  be  committed  to  the  flames  at  three  succes- 
sive times.  One  of  the  first  seven  was  a  woman  of  a  noble 
family,  who  exhibited  an  example  of  fortitude  becoming  a 
believer  in  the  promises  of  Christ.  Two  others  were  youths 
distinguished  for  their  constancy  in  the  faith,  under  such 
trying  circumstances.  The  Minister,  who  performed  the 
service  on  the  evening  when  they  Avere  apprehended,  pub- 
lished the  most  ample  testimony,  to  prove  the  falsehood  of  the 
calumnies  with  m  hich  their  accusers  had  reproached  them. 

The  interest  taken  by  Calvin,  m  the  distresses  of  his  breth- 
ren, is  manifested  by  the  letter  which  he  vTote  to  the 
Landgrave  of  Hesse,  to  secure  his  interference  %v  ith  the  King 
of  France,  to  remove  the  imputation  that  the  Reformers 
were  in  any  manner  the  cause  of  the  slaughter  at  the  battle 
of  St.  Q,uintin,  and  also  for  their  deliverance  from  persecu- 
tion. 

*'  Caivin   to  the    most   illustrious  Prince,  liORD    Philip, 
Landgrave  of  Hesse,  &c. 

**^  Most  illustrious  Prince  and  Lord,  though  conscious  of 
my  inferiority  yet  I  am  persuaded,  that  your  Highness  con* 
siders  me  as  a  faithful  servant  of  Christ ;  and  that  your 
former  benevolence  towards  me  still  remains  the  same.  I 
will  not  make  a  long  apology  for  my  request,  in  a  case 
where  sloth  or  omission  w^ould  oh  my  part  be  cruelty.  I 
abstained  from  writing  to  you,  when  the  two  brethren 
went  to  you  some  time  since,  because  I  would  not  l)e  trou- 
blesome, nor  press  your  Excellency  to  perform  a  duty  to 
which  I  believed  you  were  already  sufficiently  inclined. 
But  as  they  are  now  going  to  you  the  third  time,  a  new 
reason  excites  me  to  unite  my  entreaties  with,  theirs,  that 

9A 


186  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1558 

you  may  not  think  their  importunities  with  your  Excel- 
lency are  repeated  so  often  without  cause.  It  is  proba- 
ble, that  tlie  rumours  Avhicli  are  spread  have  reached  your 
ears,  that  there  was  no  need  of  any  expostulation  ^vith  the 
King,  who  had,  of  his  own  accord,  ordered  all  those  to  be 
liberated,  who  had  been  thrown  into  prison  on  account  of 
the  gospel.  It  is  true,  that  of  a  great  number  only  seven 
as  yet  have  been  burnt.  But  they  are  very  much  deceived, 
who  think  that  bounds  are  now  set  to  this  cruelty,  as  if  the 
enemies  were  grown  mild,  or  were  satisfied  with  innocent 
blood.  The  invincible  constancy  of  the  Martyrs  has  indeed,, 
for  a  moment,  broken  or  restrained  their  madness.  They 
lately  led  two  youths  to  punishment,  whose  tender  age  they 
supposed  would  render  them  less  courageous  and  constant, 
hoping  by  their  apostacy  to  brand  the  true  faith  with  infamy 
and  disgrace.  Disappointed  in  these  expectations,  they  a\  er6 
disposed  to  pursue  some  diiierent  course.  They  examined 
those  who  appeared  most  prepared  to  undergo  death,  paying 
no  regard  to  their  wealth,  or  distinguished  family  connections, 
and  concealed  them  in  caverns,  from  which  they  will,  on  the 
very  first  opportunity,  be  dragged  to  death,  to  wliich  they 
believe  themselves  to  be  sentenced.  And  this  thing  is  com- 
monly known.  More  than  thirty  both  men  and  women 
are  in  this  condition.  Others  are  distributed  in  monasteries, 
to  whom  the  Monks  are  so  many  daily  tormentors.  If  many 
have  escaped  from  these  cells,  it  has  not  proceeded  from 
clemency  or  humanity  ;  but  because  it  was  agreeable  to  the 
Monks,  who  wish  their  cloisters  to  be  freed  from  such  nox- 
ious persons,  lest  the  contagion  should  be  propagated  among 
them.  This  half  way  punishment,  however,  very  much  dis- 
pleases the  Cardinal,  who  reigns  supremely  at  Court.  This 
is  evident  from  the  severe  threats  and  reproaches  of  the  King, 
because  the  Judges  of  the  Parisian  inquisition  have  not  acted 
with  more  energy  and  effect.    He  has,  at  length,  by  his  Am- 


1558  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  18? 

bassadour,  petitioned  the  Romish  Antichrist  to  appoint  three 
Cardinals,  to  preside  over  the  inquisition,  with  the  unbri- 
dled liberty  of  destruction  and  slaughter.  He  has  published 
a  new  edict  by  wliich  the  Bishops  have  committed  to  them 
the  power  of  life  and  death.  Nothing  is  left  to  the  royal 
Judges,  but  to  be  the  executioners  of  the  sentences  of  the  in- 
quisition. Should  we  all  then  remain  silent,  your  Excellen- 
cy will  at  once,  fi'om  your  smgular  prudence,  discern  what 
the  event  will  be,  unless  immediately  obviated  by  effectual 
measures.  Your  piety  and  zeal  will  no  doubt  excite  you, 
without  delay,  to  succour  those  unhappy  brethren,  whose 
sighs  and  groans  ought  justly  to  pierce  all  pious  hearts,  and 
stimulate  them  to  provide  for  their  brethren  the  most 
prompt  and  effectual  relief.  The  request  which  is  now  urg- 
ed relates  not  only  to  those  who  are  in  prison,  but  to  three 
hundred  thousand  persons,  who  are  every  moment  agitated 
with  new  terrours.  Even  now,  not  only  at  Paris,  but  in  other 
cities  of  France,  some  of  the  faithful  assemble  for  prayer,  and 
other  exercises  of  religion.  But  while  the  certain  danger  of 
death  threatens  them,  the  less  they  spare  their  own  lives,  the 
more  worthy  are  they,  on  that  account,  to  receive  assistance, 
if  by  any  means  it  can  be  afforded  them.  ]\Iay  the  Lord 
protect  your  Excellency,  and  adorn  you,  most  illustrious 
Prince,  with  all  good  gifts,  and  confirm  you  with  the  spirit 
of  fortitude  even  unto  the  end. 
"  Geneva,  Feb.  27,  1553." 

Calvin  wrote  letters  also,  by  the  two  brethren  mentioned 
above,  Theodore  Beza  and  John  Budeus,  to  Otlio  Henry, 
Prince  Palatine  Elector,  and  JMichael  Dillerus.  He  forward- 
ed to  Otho  the  confession  of  faith,  adopted  by  the  French 
reformed  Churches,  that  he  might  remove  the  unfounded  as- 
persions, which  the  agents  of  Henry  II.  had  endeavoured  to 
cast  upon  those  who  were  persecuted,  as  though  they  were 


188  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1558 

different  in  their  faith  from  the  German  Churches.  For  it 
was  now  the  interest  of  Henry,  as  it  was  formerly  of  Francis 
I.,  to  excite  animosities  between  the  Protestants  in  Germany 
and  the  Emperour.  Calvin  assures  Otho,  that  the  French 
inquisition  put  to  death  all  persons  without  distinction,  who  did 
not  confess  that  Christ  was  daily  sacrificed  in  the  Mass.  Such 
were  the  bigotry  and  cruelty  of  Henry  II.,  that  he  was  him- 
self present  at  the  burning  of  those  unhappy  persons,  and  it 
is  said,  that  the  horrible  spectacle  made  so  deep  an  impres- 
sion on  his  mind,  that  the  idea  haunted  him  during  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life.*  The  German  Princes  at  length  inter- 
posed their  influence  with  Henry,  and  the  persecutions  were 
in  some  measure  al)ated.  Calvin  also  addressed  letters  to 
those  who  were  imprisoned  for  their  faith,  and  encouraged 
them  to  continue  in  their  sufferings. 

In  1558,  an  alliance  was  entered  into  between  the  Repub- 
lick  of  Geneva  and  that  of  Bern.  One  object  of  this  was 
to  exclude  from  the  territory  of  one  government,  persons 
who  had  been  banished  by  the  other.  This  greatly  dis- 
commoded the  plans,  and  frustrated  the  expectations,  of 
those  persons  who  had  been  excluded  from  Geneva,  and  had 
taken  up  their  residence  in  the  Canton  of  Bern,  more  con- 
veniently to  carry  on  their  attacks  upon  the  doctrines  of  the 
Genevese  Church,  and  to  secure  the  circulation  of  their  er- 
rours  among  that  people. 

The  heretical  sentiments,  which  Gribauld  had  propagated 
among  some  of  the  members  of  the  Italian  Church,  gave 
rise,  at  this  time,  to  new  controversies.  A'alentine  Gentilis, 
a  native  of  Cosenza,  a  man  of  a  penetrating  and  subtle  mind, 
easily  perceived  that  neither  the  extravagant  forms  of  ex- 
pression, with  which  Servetus  had  coloured  the  heresy  of 
Paul  of  Samosata,  nor  the  confusion  of  the  Persons  a\  itli  the 

*  See  Rees'  Cyclopsedia,  Art.  Henry  II.  of  France. 


i 


1558  LIFE  OF  CAI.VIN.  180 

Essence  of  God,  introduced  bj'  Sabelliu?,  nor  yet  the  ficti- 
tious divinity  of  Christ,  taught  by  Arius,  could  be  recon- 
ciled with  the  word  of  God.  He  perceived  also,  that  what 
thes  criptures  teach  concerning  one  Essence,  and  three  distinct. 
Persons,  did  not  fall  within  the  comprehension  of  the  human 
imderstanding.  He  proceeded,  as  is  usual  with  such  specu- 
lative minds,  to  reject  the  wisdom  of  God ;  and  to  substitute 
that  which  he  conceived  to  be  more  agreeable  to  human 
reason.  Unwilling  to  receive  the  truth  upon  the  divine  tes- 
timony, and  leave  the  mystery  with  God,  he  boldly  attri- 
buted the  supreme  authority,  vionarchia,  to  the  Person  of  the 
Father,  whom  he  Avould  have  to  be  the  only  and  alone 
uvToesev,  sovereign  God.  He  openly  avowed  the  Esscntia- 
tion,  that  is,  the  propagation  of  Essence,  and  as  there  were 
three  Persons,  so  there  must  be  of  course  three  Essences,  that 
is,  three  Gods,  eternal,  omnipotent  and  immense.  To  support 
his  notions,  he  not  only  wrested  the  scriptures,  and  perverted 
their  testimony,  which  establishes  the  facts  on  this  mysterious 
subject ;  but  also  the  authority  of  the  Council  of  Nice,  and 
of  those  ancient  fathers,  Ignatius,  TertuIIian,  Ireneus  and  Lac- 
tantius.  He  affected  to  despise  the  orthodox  v/riters  who 
lived  after  the  Council  of  Nice,  and  accused  them  of  impie- 
ty, for  supporting  the  doctrine  of  the  triune  unity  of  the 
Godhead. 

Gentilis  commenced  the  propagation  of  his  opinions  secret- 
ly, under  the  pretence  of  discussion  and  enc[uiry,  among  a 
few  persons ;  of  this  number  were  John  Paul  Alciat,  a  ]\Ii- 
lanese,  and  George  Blandrata,  a  Physician  of  Salusses.  The 
Consistory  of  the  Italian  Church  in  Geneva,  b^fing  informed 
that  some  members  were  infected  with  liis  heresy,  called  a 
special  meeting.  An  examination  was  held  in  the  presence 
of  some  selected  Senators,  the  IMinisters  and  Church  Elders. 
They  patiently  heard  the  arguments  in  favour  of  the  here- 
sy.    These  were  refuted  by  Calvin  from  the  testimony  of 


190  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1558 

the  scriptures ;  and  the  question  was  so  Avell  settled,  that  all 
the  Italians,  excepting  six,  readily  subscribed  the  articles  of 
the  Genevese  confession  of  faith  on  the  18th  of  Alay,  1553. 
The  six,  who  at  first  refused,  were  afterwards  called  sepa- 
rately, and  subscribed  the  confession,  but  not  \\  ith  sincerity. 
Gentilis,  notwithstanding  his  avowed  i-etraction,  still  propaga- 
ted his  inventions,  and  being  again  arraigned,  he  defended 
his  opinions  before  the  Consistory.  Being  confuted  and  con- 
founded by  Calvin,  he  dissembled  very  deep  repentance,  and 
abjured  his  errours  in  all  the  publick  places  of  the  city.  Up- 
on his  promise  under  oath,  not  to  leave  Geneva,  he  was  dis- 
missed. But  regardless  of  this  obligation,  he  soon  after  fled 
to  Gribauld,  in  Savoy,  and  was  followed  by  Alciat  and  Bland- 
rata.  The  two  latter,  not  being  esteemed  by  the  others  as 
men  of  science,  retired  into  Transylvania,  and  for  several 
years  propagated  their  pernicious  opinions  in  that  and  the 
neighbouring  countries.  Gentilis  and  Gribauld,  by  their 
united  labours,  forged  a  work  against  the  Trinity,  in  which 
they  reproached  the  sentiments  of  Athauasius  and  of  Cal- 
vin. They  procured  the  publication  of  this  at  Lyons,  with 
a  dedication  to  the  BailiiT  of  Gex,  who  was  totally  ignorant 
of  their  sentiments.  While  at  Lyons,  Gentilis  Avas  seized 
by  the  Popish  inquisition,  on  account  of  the  heretical  senti- 
ments contaii«;d  in  his  book.  He  exemplified  the  looseness 
of  his  principles,  in  his  method  of  avoiding  the  punishment 
with  which  he  was  threatened  by  the  Papists.  He  persuad- 
ed them  that  he  had  only  Avritten  against  Calvin,  and  on 
this  account  they  dismissed  him  as  a  man  who  had  deserv- 
ed well  of  the  Catholick  Clmrch.  Gentilis  eventually  en- 
trusted himself  in  the  hands  of  the  Bailiflf  of  Gex,  and  re- 
quested the  privilege  of  a  publick  disputation  in  defence  of 
his  principles.  He  made  the  challenge  on  the  condition,  that 
whoever  failed  of  supporting  his  opinion  should  forfeit  his 
head,  and  if  the  challenge  was  not  accepted,  he  was  to  be 


1558  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  191 

declared  as  a  person  holding  orthodox  and  pious  sentiments, 
concerning  the  most  high  God,  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.* 
The  BailiJf  of  Gex,  pleased  with  the  opportunity  of  having 
the  man  in  his  power,  who  had  imposed  upon  him  by  the 
dedication  of  his  work,  caused  him  to  be  apprehended  and 
committed  to  prison.  He  was  at  length  sent  to  Bern,  to  de- 
fend himself  concerning  his  errours.  Here  he  was  duly  tri- 
ed, and  convicted  of  perjury  and  publick  impiety  in  renew- 
ing his  attack  upon  the  Trinity.  All  means  having  failed  of 
bringing  him  to  renounce  his  errours,  he  wcis  sentenced  and 
beheaded  September  9,  156C. 

The  quartan  fever  had  continued  its  attacks  upon  Calvin 
for  eight  months,  and  reduced  him  to  a  state  of  debility 
from  Avhich  he  did  not  afterwards  recover.  At  the  request 
of  his  Physicians  and  friends,  he  omitted  his  publick  sermons 
and  lectures  in  theology,  but  still  devoted  day  and  night, 
in  dictating  and  writing  letters.  He  would  often  say,  Hon) 
unpleasant  to  me  is  an  idle  life  I  Notwithstanding  the  ex- 
postulations of  his  friends  to  take  care  of  his  health,  he  this 
year  prepared  the  last  edition  of  his  favourite  work,  The  In- 
stitvtes  of  the  Christian  Religion.  In  his  preface  he  says, 
"  I  proposed  to  myself,  in  this  edition,  to  provide  a  way  in 
which  the  students  of  sacred  theology  might  advance  with 
an  uninterrupted  step  in  the  study  of  the  scriptures.  I  think 
I  have  so  embraced  the  substance  of  religion  in  all  its  parts, 
and  digested  it  in  such  order,  that  tlie  mind  which  imder- 
stands  this  may,  without  difficulty,  determine  what  the  scrip- 
tures principally  teach,  and  what  is  the  grand  object  of  all 
the  counsels  and  examples  which  they  contain.  All  doctrines 
and  duties  are  comprehended  in  this  compendium.  The  or- 
der of  these  Institutes  appears  distinctly  in  all  my  Commen- 
taries as  the  image  in  a  glass." 

*  See  Bayle,  Art.  Gentilis. 


192  LIFE  OF  CALVIK.  1553 

The  following  are  the  prmcipal  editions  of  the  Institutes 
during  the  life  of  the  author  : — 

First  edition,     A.  D.  1535,  at  Basil.* 

Second  edition,  1539,   at   Strasburg,  enlarged,  the 

edition  which  Pighius  attacked. 

Third  edition,  1 54<o,    at  Strasburg,  corrected  and 

enlarged. 

Fourth  edition,  1544,  at  Strasburg,  revised. 

Fifth  edition,  1515,  at  Geneva,  enlarged. 

Sixth  edition,  1550,  at  Geneva,  revised,  and  his 

Catechism  subjoined. 

Seventh  edition,  1559,  at  Geneva,  perfected  both  in 

Latin  and  French,  and  divided  into  four  books. 

So  numerous  were  the  editions  of  this  distinguished  work, 
that  it  is  not  possible  to  speak  Avith  exactness  concerning 
their  order.  It  was  very  soon,  after  its  first  publication, 
translated  into  French,  and  passed  through  many  editions  be- 
fore the  author  completed  it  in  that  language  in  1559.  No 
addition  Mas  iiiade  after  this  time  by  the  author.  Marloret 
added  two  indices. 

Calvin  revised  at  this  time  his  distinguished  Commentary 
on  Isaiah.  Galasius  performed  the  part  of  an  Amanuensis, 
as  Calvin's  feeble  state  of  body  w  ould  not  admit  of  his  per- 
forming the  labour  of  WTiting  it  himself.  This  work,  which 
was  first  dedicated  to  Edward  VI.  he  now  dedicated  to 
Queen  Elizabeth.  He  dated  it  Jan.  15,  1559,  the  day  he 
says  on  which  report  stated  that  she  was  crowned. 

Peter  Martyr  was  now  Minister  and  Professor  at  Zurich. 
On  hearing  of  Calvin's  illness,  he  wrote  him  the  subsequent 
letter : — 

*  See  Bayle,  Art.  Schuiting'ius. 


15.58  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  193 

<'  Martyr  to  Calvin,  gives  salutation. 

"  My  illustrious  Friend,  I  was  neither  surprised  nor  offend- 
ed that  when  you  wrote,  a  few  days  since,  to  Bullinger,  you 
did  not  also  write  to  me,  for  which  you  wished  him  to  apo- 
logize. I  was  before  that  very  much  afflicted  to  hear,  that 
you  were  sick,  and  dangerously  so.  My  anxiety  is  not  now 
diminished,  since  you  inform  us  that  you  are  labouring  un- 
der the  quartan  ague.  I  could  say  much  of  tlie  stubborn- 
ness of  this  disease,  and  its  peculiar  obstinacy  against  medi- 
cines and  Physicians,  having  twice  struggled  with  it  myself. 
The  sum  of  the  matter  is,  that  those  « ho  are  in  this  situa- 
tion have  need  of  great  and  persevering  patience,  which  you 
would  not  otherwise  have  occasion  to  use,  nor  to  pray  for,  as 
your  mind  is  abundantly  stored  with  that  grace  by  the  Spirit 
of  Christ.  But  I  have,  in  common  with  many  others,  two 
reasons  to  lament  this  sickness* :  one  is,  that  you  yourself  are 
distressed,  your  health  being  broken,  and  your  constitution 
debilitated  ;  which  can  not  be  otherwise,  especially  as  your 
body  is  already  almost  exhausted  with  labours.  The  other 
is,  that  your  official  labours  and  writings  will  be  interrupted, 
to  the  great  detriment  of  all  the  friends  of  Christ.  There  is 
nothing  so  injurious  to  a  person  labouring  under  this  disease 
as  study  and  anxiety.  These  things  extremely  afflict  not  on- 
ly me,  but  truly  all  the  pious.  However,  since  it  is  so,  it  is 
our  duty,  with  all  possible  earnestness,  in  our  prayers,  to  sup- 
plicate that  you  may  speedily  be  restored  to  your  former 
health.  It  is  also  your  duty,  to  abstain,  with  the  strictest 
care  and  attention,  from  those  things  which  are  pernicious  to 
yourself,  especially  from  close  study  and  anxiety  about  any 
Aveighty  concerns ;  for  by  these  the  humour  of  the  black  biJe, 
from  which  the  fever  is  inflamed,  is  so  excited  and  agitated, 
that  it  fastens  on  the  very  marrow  of  the  bones.     It  is  vastly 

2-5 


194!  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1558 

more  desirable,  that  you  should  rest  a  few  days  or  months, 
since  so  it  seemeth  good  unto  God,  than  eitlier  that  you  should 
die,  to  the  greatest  grief  of  the  good,  which  may  God  avert, 
or  that  you  should  live,  while  life  only  remains  in  a  feeble  bo- 
dy and  with  a  mind  quite  debilitated,  to  the  unspeakable  loss 
of  the  Church.  See  therefore  that  you  neither  sin  against 
yourself,  nor  against  the  Church  of  Christ. 

"  Messengers  arrived  here  yesterday  from  the  English  No- 
bles who  reside  at  Frankfort.  They  bring  information,  that 
their  ^ueen  died  on  the  lOth  of  Nov.;  and  that  the  illustrious 
Elizabeth  had  succeeded  to  the  Crown,  with  the  fullest  appro- 
bation of  the  Lords  and  Commons,  Avho  had  at  this  time  provi- 
dentially assembled  from  all  parts  of  England,  in  Council,  or 
a^  they  commonly  term  it,  in  Parliament.  We  must  now  en- 
treat God,  that  this  change  of  aifairs  may  be  turned  to  the 
honour  of  the  name  of  Christ  and  his  lioly  Gospel.  In  this  duty, 
I  am  confident,  that  you  and  your  Church  will  not  be  want- 
ing. Tlie  time  is  perhaps  arrived,  when  in  that  kingdom  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  shall  be  rebuilt,  and  God  shall  witness 
that  the  blood  of  so  many  JMartyrs  has  not  been  shed  in  vain. 
I  have  no  other  news,  except  that  my  book  is  now  in  tlie  press, 
in  which  I  have  detected  and  refuted,  concerning  the  Eu- 
cliarist,  all  the  sophistry  and  artful  fallacies  of  Stephen  Gard- 
ner formerly  Bishop  of  Winchester.  This  work,  I  trust,  will 
come  abroad  most  seasonably ;  for  it  is  of  special  importance 
at  this  time,  that  the  Papists  should  understand,  that  Gard- 
ner's book  is  not  so  invincible  as  they  have  hitherto  boasted. 
Farewell,  and  may  you  long,  very  long,  live  to  Christ  and  to 
liis  Church.  Salute,  in  my  name,  your  fellow  Ministers,  and 
also  Beza  and  the  Marquis. 

"  Yours  wholly, 

"  PETER  MARTYR. 

"  Zurich,  December  1." 


1559  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  195 

On  tlie  3d  of  April,  1559,  the  peace  of  Chateau-CambrC' 
sis  was  concluded  between  Ferdinand,  King  of  Spain,  and 
Henry  II.,  of  France.  One  of  the  articles  stipulated,  that 
the  two  Kings  should  act  in  concert,  to  procure  a  general 
Council,  for  the  purpose  of  reforming  the  Church,  and  esta- 
blishing the  order  of  religion.  Taking  advantage  of  the 
weakness  of  Henry,  the  Papists  concerted  a  plan  to  destroy 
the  city  of  Geneva.  This  they  expected  would  break  up 
the  fountain  head  of  the  Reformation  in  France.  The  King 
was  influenced  to  enact  the  most  severe  laws  against  the  ad- 
herents to  the  pure  doctrines.  Some  of  the  Senators  urged 
forbearance  and  mildness  in  religious  matters,  till  the  gene- 
ral Council  should  be  convened.  These  were  imprisoned  by 
the  King's  order.  The  first  step  towards  their  purpose,  for 
destroying  Geneva,  was  to  restore  to  the  Duke  the  ancient 
territory  of  Savoy.  During  this  period,  Calvin,  though  very 
feeble  in  body,  continued  his  labours,  and  confirmed  the 
afflicted  Churches  and  Brethren  in  the  Faith.#  But  amidst 
the  distresses  and  anxieties  of  the  Reformers,  that  God,  who 
holds  the  breath  of  Kings  in  his  hand,  answered  the  prayers 
of  his  people,  and  dissipated  their  fears.  It  was  stipulated 
in  the  treaty  of  Chateau,  that  Philip  should  marry  the  daugh- 
ter of  Henry.  At  the  celebration  of  the  nuptials,  the  King  of 
France  received  a  mortal  wound  in  a  tournament,  from  the 
splinter  of  a  lance  which  pierced  one  of  his  eyes.  This  wound 
was  given  by  the  hand  of  the  Prefect  of  the  royal  guards,  who 
had,  by  the  King's  order,  seized  and  imprisoned  those  Senators 
who  pleaded  for  moderation  in  religious  matters.  Thus,  in  a 
moment,  the  face  of  things  was  changed  ;  and  the  Papists  were 
defeated  in  their  purposes  against  Geneva.  Annes  du  Bourge, 
a  distinguished  Counsellor,  was  one  of  those  who  were  imprison- 
ed for  urging  to  moderate  measures  in  the  religious  affairs  of 
the  kingdom.     Against  him  the  King  m  a«,  at  that  time,  so 

*  Epist.  Calvini,  Anno  1559, 


19$  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1559 

highly  enraged,  that  he  declared,  that  both  his  ei/es  should 
see  that  man  burnt  at  the  stake.  Henry  made  this  declara- 
tion June  10,  and  received  the  wound  in  his  eye,  and  died  sud- 
denly July  10,  1539.  Cardinal  Lorrain,  who  had  a  dominant 
influence  over  Henry  in  the  concerns  of  the  Church,  having 
been  defeated  in  forming  a  new  Inquisition  of  three  Cardinals, 
by  the  Senators  of  Paris,  was  violently  enraged  against  du 
Bourge.  By  his  influence,  this  excellent  man  was  burnt  at 
Paris,  December  18,  1559.# 

Calvin,  in  the  conclusion  of  his  letter  to  Ambrose  Blau- 
rer,  details  the  facts  relative  to  the  apprehension  and  exe- 
cution of  Annes  du  Bourge. 

«  Calvin  to  Blaurer. 

1 «  I  reluctantly  mention  the  state  of 


France,  because  it  is  turbulent,  mournful  and  calamitous. 
You  have  been  informed,  I  suppose,  that  the  King,  hear- 
ing that  a  good  part  of  the  Senate  of  Paris  were  inclined 
to  treat  our  brethren  with  more  mildness,  at  the  solicita- 
tion of  the  Cardinal,  repaired  to  the  Senate-room,  and  de- 
manded their  opinions.  When  gome  had  determined,  that 
the  cruelties  were  too  atrocious,  although  they  shewed  them* 
selves  unfavourable  to  the  cause,  one  freely  and  resolutely 
took  upon  himself  the  patronage  of  the  cause,  and  did  not 
hesitate  to  expose  himself  to  the  severe  displeasure  of  the 
King.  It  appeared  to  Henry  insufi^erable,  that  the  Coun- 
sellors should  not  be  awed  by  his  presence.  Giving  him- 
self up  to  extreme  impetuosity,  he  ordered  this  Senator  to 
prison.  Six  hours  after,  six  other  Senators  were  confined ; 
although  these  had,  by  their  moderation  and  even  dissem- 
bling, betrayed  the  doctrine  of  salvation.     Some  were  de- 

•  See  Dupin,  vol.  6,   book  -3,  chap.  33,  p.  164,  and  chap.  11,  p.  153 ; 
and  Bayle,  Art.  Henry  II. 


lo&)  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  l^r 

prived  of  their  rank  ;  others  were  fined ;  and  one  held  in 
prison.  This  one,  against  whom  the  King  was  enraged,  was 
lately  burnt.  Even  the  enemies  say,  that  he  \\as  in  all  re- 
spects an  excellent  man.  He  possessed  an  amiable  disposi- 
tion and  a  strong  judgment,  and  was  uncommonly  versed 
in  the  science  of  jurisprudence.  He  was  a  man  of  singular 
probity.  His  humanity  recommended  his  other  virtues.  He 
was  the  grandson  of  Chancellor  du  Bourgc.  His  brothers 
had  raised  him,  against  his  will,  to  that  office,  when  he  was 
more  desirous  of  a  private  life.  The  respectability  and  dig- 
nity of  the  man  held  the  judges  a  long  time  in  suspense. 
They  were  at  length  forced,  by  the  authority  of  the  Cardi- 
nal, to  give  him  up  to  punishment.  When  the  cruel  sen- 
tence was  pronounced,  That  he  should  be  burnt  alive,  he  pros- 
trated himself  on  the  earth,  and  gave  thanks  to  God,  nho  had 
distinguished  him  nith  so  great  honour,  that  he  should  suffer 
for  the  defence  of  the  eternal  truth.  He  aw  aited  death  for 
four  hours  with  a  cheerful  countenance.  When  he  came  to 
the  place  of  execution,  though  surrounded  by  four  hundred 
guards,  he  was  observed  to  pull  off  his  cloak  and  his  coat, 
as  if  he  were  willingly  retiring  to  sleep.  But  as  the  execu- 
tioner cast  a  cord  about  his  neck,  he  told  him  there  wds  no 
need  of  that,  as  he  was  to  be  burnt,  according  to  custom, 
with  a  slow  fire.  The  executioner  answered,  that  he  was 
ordered  otherwise ;  that  by  strangling  him  he  might  dimi- 
nish the  torture.  He  had  now  made  his  last  prayer  ;  liowe- 
ver,  again  falling  upon  his  knees,  he  gave  thanks  to  God. 
Half  a  month  has  elapsed  since  his  death.  JMany  others, 
since  that  time,  have  been  burnt.  Every  moment  new  ter- 
rours  are  lieaped  upon  us.  I  wish,  from  these  examples, 
we  may  well  learn  what  is  the  life  of  man  upon  the  earth ; 
that  I  may  especially,  Avhose  dulness  cannot  be  too  much 
aroused.  Farewell. 
'•'  January,  1560." 


198  LIFE  OF  CALMx\.  J560 

During  the  period  and  the  very  moment,  wlien  those  pow- 
erful Princes  were  conspiring  for  the  destruction  of  Geneva^ 
the  inhabitants  of  that  city,  under  the  influence  of  Calvin, 
were  raising  splendid  buildings  for  a  pul>Iick  eeuiinary.  The 
College  Avas  instituted  in  September,  with  eight  Preceptors 
for  youths,  and  several  Professors  of  Hebrew  and  Greek,  Phi- 
losophy and  Divinity.  It  >\  as  dedicated  to  the  most  High 
and  Holy  God,  in  the  full  assembly  of  the  people,  at  which 
time  the  object  of  its  institution,  and  the  laws  by  which  it 
was  to  be  governed,  Avere  publickly  read.  Calvin  retained 
the  Professorship  of  Divinity,  and  Theodore  Beza  was  induct- 
ed into  the  office  of  President. 

Francis  II.  who  succeeded  his  father,  was  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Duke  of  Guise  and  his  brother.  Cardinal  Lor- 
rain.  He  was  young,  weak  in  constitution,  and  feeble  in 
mind.  By  the  intrigues  of  ambitious  men,  his  reign  was  dis- 
tinguished for  violence  and  disorder.  The  foundation  was 
now  laid  for  those  civil  and  religious  contentions  which  so 
long  afflicted  the  Reformed  Churches  of  France.  The  burn- 
ing of  Annes  du  Bourge  Avas  followed  by  a  more  extensive 
persecution  of  the  Calvinists.  The  King  appointed  Presidi- 
al  Courts,  %vhich  had  power  to  try  only  cases  of  this  sort. 
"  They  condemned  to  the  flames,  without  mercy,  all  those 
who  were  convicted  of  the  new  religion."  The  Reformers 
were  no^v  become  very  numerous  in  France,  and  many  distin- 
guished men  and  noble  families  favoured  tlie  pure  doctrines 
and  worship.  The  Prince  of  Conde  was  the  head,*  and  Co- 
ligiri  the  strong  arm  of  their  party.  They  sought,  by  every 
means  of  address  and  mest  humble  petition,  to  obtain  liberty 
of  conscience,  and  security  in  their  religious  assemblies.  Their 
efljorts  were  of  no  avail ;  the  restrictions  upon  them  were  in- 
creased ;  their  cup  Avas  rendered  more  bitter  ;  and  at  length 
they  injudiciously  concerted  a  plan  to  defend  themselves  by 

•  See  Dupjn,  cent.  16,  book  4,  p.  398,  399,  and  book  3,  p.  164. 


1560  LIFE  OF  CAI.VIN.  199 

force.  The  contests  between  the  Papists  and  Reformers  at 
Amboise  were  violent.  Calvin  was  accused  of  having  excited 
the  leaders  of  these  tumults  openly  to  oppose  the  orders  of  the 
King-.  In  his  letter  to  BuUinger,  dated  May  11,  15G0,  he 
says  that  he  interposed  his  authority,  to  prevent  the  attempts 
to  redress  themselves  ])y  force.  In  his  letter  to  Ambrose 
Blaurer,  of  the  27ih.  of  May,  he  fully  exposes  the  wickedness 
and  impolicy  of  such  attempts  to  obtain  redress.  He  had, 
from  the  first  of  his  knowledge  of  their  plans,  opposed  them, 
and  predicted  the  evils  that  would  follow.  Some  however  at 
Geneva  it  seems  encouraged  the  conspiracy  at  Amboise,  who 
were  resolved  upon  appearing  armed  before  the  King,  and 
demanding  liberty  of  conscience,  and  the  removal  of  the 
Guises  from  the  government.  At  this  time  also,  Geneva  \^  as 
openly  threatened  with  invasion.  Calvin,  writing  on  the  sub- 
ject, observes,  "  I  cannot  be  persuaded  of  this  danger ;  yet  if 
greater  dangers  should  press  us  we  will  quietly  wait  the  event, 
relying  on  the  protection  of  God.  Whatever  shall  happen, 
our  heavenly  father  will  turn  it  to  our  salvation  ;  and  in 
shewing  mercy  to  us,  will  have  respect  to  the  gocd  of  the 
whole  church."  At  the  close  of  this  letter  he  informs  BJau- 
rer,  that  he  dictated  it  from  his  bed,  "  where,  according  to 
ray  custom,  I  lie  down  one  half  of  my  time,  that  I  may  b« 
able  to  improve  with  more  strength  the  remaining  hours." 

In  consequence  of  the  commotions  which  were  excited  in 
Provence,  Languedoc  and  other  place?,  the  King  called  a 
Council  to  be  holden  at  Fontainbleau,  about  thirty-five  miles 
from  Paris,  on  the  20th  of  August  1560.  The  following  let- 
ter details  the  transactions  of  this  Council. 

"Calvin  to  Bullixgek,  wishes  health. 

"  All  the  Nobles  were  lately  assembled  at  Fontainbleau, 
a  place  less  than  two  days  journey  fiom  Paris.     A  certain 


SOe  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  J5G0 

Cardinal  was  present,  who  is  either  a  Mine  catk  or  a  flaggon, 
for  he  certainly  bears  not  the  figure  of  a  man.  The  Guises 
thought,  that  the  splendour  of  this  convention  would  be 
greatly  increased  if  they  assembled,  from  all  parts,  as  many 
as  possible  of  the  purple  habited  Knights,  who  boast  them- 
selves of  the  order  of  St.  Michael.  Thirty  made  their  ap- 
pearance when  before  there  were  only  twelve.  The  Chancel- 
lor said  much  in  extolling  the  illustrious  Senate,  in  whom  re- 
sided all  the  authority  of  the  kingdom.  This  mtroduction 
was  a  piece  of  gross  flattery.  He  afterwards  discoursed  upon 
the  state  of  the  kingdom ;  and  observed  that  since  there  was 
need  of  remedies  to  cure  the  diseases,  the  cause  of  the  evils 
must  be  investigated.  Here  he  ended  his  speech  as  if,  desti- 
tute of  counsel,  he  would  implore  the  aid  of  Physicians.  The 
King  designedly  asked  the  opinion  of  the  Bishop  of  Valence, 
who  was  among  the  lowest  Counsellors.  The  Guises  were  anx- 
ious to  awaken  the  private  feelings  of  all,  and  that  every  one 
should  be  suddenly  attacked,  as  should  appear  best  for  their 
purpose.  The  Admiral  arose,  contrary  to  their  expectation, 
and  handed  the  king  a  petition  in  which  those  who  desired  the 
pure  worship  of  God  in  Normandy  requested,  that  they  should 
be  permitted  to  meet  in  the  day  time,  that  they  might  avoid 
the  various  calumnies,  to  which  they  were  exposed  from  th?. 
circumstance  of  their  being  obliged  to  hold  secret  and  nightly 
meetings.  He  was  asked  from  whom  he  obtained  the  petition. 
He  answered,  that  he  had  been  anxious  for  the  publick  good, 
and  to  know  more  fully  what  the  Reformers  desired :  That 
there  were  fifty  thousand  men  whose  subscription  might  be 
obtained  if  it  should  please  the  King.  Coligni  and  the  Arcli- 
bishop  of  Vienne  were  the  only  t\vo  who  spoke  on  this  subject 
with  energy.  These  things  being  heard  by  the  Council,  the 
greater  part  of  whom  were  silent  voters,  the  Duke  ©f  Guise 
fully  vented  himself  in  a  manner  that  would  have  been  in- 
tolerable any  where  else.     Take  an  instance  of  his  stupidity. 


1560  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  STOl 

When  the  Admiral  said,  that  he  was  not  pleased  with  the 
barbarian  custom,  that  the  King  should  be  surrounded  by  an 
army  instead  of  being  protected  by  his  body  guards ;  that 
this  education  was  not  worthy  of  France,  as  the  young  King 
ought  not  to  be  brought  up  in  the  habit  of  guarding  him- 
self against  his  subjects,  as  though  he  was  in  fear  of  those, 
whose  favour  he  ought  to  secure  and  cherish  by  his  good 
will ;  the  Duke  answered,  that  the  king  did  not  need  nurs- 
es and  foster-fathers,  inasmuch  as  he  is  educated  in  the  plen- 
itude of  his  own  virtue,  (I  repeat  his  very  words,)  that  if  he 
is  to  be  instructed,  his  mother  is  sufficient  for  this  office.  He 
boldly  said  also,  that  M'hatever  a  thousand  Councils  might 
decree,  he  was  determined  to  follow  the  institutions  of  his 
ancestors.  His  brother,  the  Cardinal  Lorrain,  was  more 
grave  and  prudent.  He  said  it  was  in  vain  to  ask  from  Coun- 
cils for  any  change  in  doctrines ;  that  it  was  unlawful  to  call 
into  controversy  M'liat  had  before  come  from  the  Holy  Spirit ; 
and  that  if  there  were  corruptions  in  morals,  the  Bishops 
ought  to  be  permitted  to  correct  them  fully.  He  was  fretted 
by  what  the  Archbishop  of  Vienne  said,  that  it  was  a  re- 
proach, and  a  shameful  sign  of  confusion,  that  Bishops  should 
leave  their  Churches,  to  follow  the  Courts  of  Princes ;  and  by 
his  entreating  the  King  with  much  earnestness,  that  the 
Churches  should  not  be  deprived  of  their  Pastors,  under  the 
vain  pretext  of  the  publick  good.  Hence  this  rule  was 
adopted,  that  no  one  should  be  bound  by  law  or  necessity, 
to  attend  the  Court,  but  each  one  should  act  as  he  pleased. — 
You  ask,  what  was  the  result  ?  The  Archbishop  of  Vienne 
retired  home.  After  foin:  or  five  days  were  consumed  in 
vain  consultations,  it  was  determined,  that  there  should  be  a 
meeting  of  the  States  in  the  month  of  December.  The 
Bishops  are  summoned  to  meet  on  the  20th  of  January,  not 
to  decree  any  thing,  but  to  consider  what  is  to  be  proposed 
to  the  Council,     They  had  hitherto  obstinately  opposed  a 

26 


20^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1560 

meeting-  of  the  States ;  and  tliey  have  now  cunningly  contriv- 
ed to  elude  the  hopes  of  those  who  expected  some  alleviation 
6f  their  evils  from  this  assembly.  This  exception  is  added, 
That  each  Province  shall  examine,  before  its  own  Prefects, 
what  business  it  is  expedient  to  treat  of  in  the  Council. 
This  affords  no  liberty  at  all  ;  as  they  must  choose  their  de- 
puties under  the  direction  of  those  Governours.  Those  flat- 
terers therefore  will  attend,  who  are  purchased  and  nominat- 
ed by  the  Prefect.  How  frivolous  and  trifling  this  ostensible 
Council  is,  you  may  easily  learn  from  the  formula  of  the  edict 
which  convenes  it,  whicli  some  one  of  your  friends  will  inter- 
pret to  you.  In  the  mean  time  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  is 
breaking  forth.  In  Normandy,  our  brethren  now  preacli 
publickly,  for  private  houses  will  not  contain  three  or  four 
thousand  men.  In  Poictiers,  Saintonge,  and  in  all  Aqui- 
taine,  they  enjoy  greater  liberty.  Languedoc,  Provence  and 
Dauphire  have  many  intrepid  disciples  of  Christ.  Why  the 
Cardinal  ceases,  he  has  clearly  professed,  That  he  may  in  a 
short  time  detect  the  impudence  of  the  Fanaticks.  But  the 
Lord,  I  hope,  will  not  only  bring  to  light  his  wicked  pur- 
poses,  but  also   dissipate  his  impious  endeavours. Fare- 

Svell,  inost  respected  man  and  highly  esteemed  brother. — 
May  the  Lord  always  preserve  all  yours  in  health,  Sec. 
«  Geneva,  October  1, 1560." 

The  opinion  of  Osiander,  that  man  was  justified  by  the  es- 
sential righteousness  of  God,  was  at  this  time  controverted  by 
Francis  Stancarus,  Professor  at  Koningsburg.  Of  a  warm 
and  zealous  mind,  he  pursued  the  other  extreme,  and  main- 
tained, that  Jesus  Christ  is  Mediator  only  according  to  his 
human  nature.  His  opinion  was  condemned  as  heretical  by 
several  Synods,  and  confuted  by  Melancthon,  and  by  Peter 
Martyr.  The  Churches  of  Poland  however,  being  much 
disturbed  by  these  disputes,  made  application  to  the  Cohsis- 


1560  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  303 

tory  of  Geneva  for  their  opinion.  Calvin  addressed  a  letter 
to  the  Poles,  and  in  a  short  admonition  exposed  the  fallacy 
and  pernicious  nature  of  this  errour.  He  also  guarded 
thera  against  the  heresy  of  the  Tritheists,  as  defended  by 
Blandrata  and  his  adherents.  He  laboured  to  confirm  them 
in  the  belief,  that  Christ  was  IMediator  in  both  natures,  with- 
out multiplying  his  divinity.* 

The  United  Brethren,  commonly  called  "Waldenses,  who 
had  retired  into  Bohemia,  to  enjoy  liberty  of  worship,  and 
pm-ity  of  doctrines,  addressed  a  letter  to  Calvm  by  two  of 
their  number.  In  consequence  of  the  disputes  in  the  Po- 
lanese  Churches,  they  hesitated  about  extending  to  them  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship.  They  also  had  some  difficulty 
among  themselves,  as  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  as  their  confession 
asserted,  that  the  bread  and  Avine  were  the  true  body  of 
Christ.  Calvin  replied  to  them,  that  it  was  their  duty  to  as- 
sist the  Polanese  ;  and  so  much  the  more,  as  they,  in  common 
with  other  Churches,  were  labouring  under  difficulties  among 
themselves ;  and  were  at  the  same  tune  suiTounded  by  the 
enemies  of  the  pure  doctrines.  Speaking  of  the  Augsburg 
Confession,  he  says,  "  We  know,  how  plausible  the  conduct 
of  those  is,  who,  under  the  cover  of  the  Augsburg  Confession,f 
taking  their  peace  and  quietness,  escape  troubles  and  hatreds 
and  even  the  cross  itself.  But  what  the  autlior  himself,  Phi- 
lip Melancthon,  thought  on  this  point,  is  no  secret  w^ith  you  ; 
and  perhaps  the  improbity  of  those  persons,  m  ho  endeavour 
to  draw  obscurity  over  the  clearest  light,  may  compel  us  to 

*  See  Calvlni  Opuscula  p.  587.    Amst.  Ed. 

f  Tliis  was  the  first  publick  confession  of  faith  by  the  Protestants  of 
Germany.  It  was  drawn  up  by  Melancthon,  and  presented  to  the  Empe- 
rour,  Charles  V.  in  the  Diet  of  Augsburg,  June  25,  1530.  The  confession 
contains  28  chapters,  21  of  which  are  employed  in  stating  the  opinions  of 
the  Protestants,  on  the  great  points  of  doctrine.  The  7  last  are  an  exhibi- 
tion of  the  errours  and  abuses  of  the  Bomish  Church.    Mosh.  vol.  3.  p  354 


204  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1560 

make  it  known  to  the  world.  Nor  yet,  although  we  reverent- 
ly cherish  the  memory  of  Melancthon,  do  we  rest  upon  his 
authority  for  confuting  our  adversaries ;  but  we  would  only 
show  how  unjustly  they  cover  themselves  with  the  Augsburg 
Confession,  whose  opinions  are  totally  foreign  from  the  mind 
of  its  author." — In  his  letter  to  the  Polish  Princes,  in  1557, 
which  was  the  ground  of  this  application  from  the  United 
Brethren,  Calvin  says,  "  A  part,  as  we  hear,  embrace  the  ■ 
Augsburg  Confession  ;  others  tenaciously  retain  the  doctrine 
of  the  Waldenses ;  and  others  desire  a  pure  and  more  simple 
explanation  of  the  mystery.  As  to  the  Augsburg  Confession, 
there  is  no  just  reason,  why  the  servants  of  Christ  should 
contend  among  themselves,  only  let  the  genuine  sense  be 
agreed  upon."  In  his  letter  to  Schalinger,  Pastor  of  Frank- 
fort, Calvin  says,  «  I  do  not  reject  the  Augsburg  Confession* 
which  I  long  since  subscribed,  volens  ac  libens,  mllbigly  and 
freely,  as  the  author  himself  explained  it."  The  same  dispo- 
sition to  cherish  union  and  peace,  which  induced  Calvin  to 
subscribe  the  Augsburg  Confession  himself,  influenced  him  to 
say  to  the  Polish  Princes,  "  That  in  unity  of  faith  and  agree- 
ment among  brethren,  consisted  the  prosperity  of  the  Church." 
On  the  same  principle,  he  urges  the  Waldenses  to  cherish  a 
mutual  agreement  with  other  Churches,  as  they  all  had  one 
Father  in  heaven,  and  Avere  all  united  in  one  body  under 
Christ,  the  head  ;  and  that  the  best  bond,  to  cherish  and  pre- 
serve concord  among  brethren  was  not  to  admit,  with  too 
easy  credulity,  unfavourable  reports  about  each  other.* 

In  consequence  of  the  persecutions  in  France,  during  the 
reigns  of  Henry  and  Francis,  many  of  the  French  Reformers 
took  refuge  in  England,  under  the  protection  of  Queen  Eliza- 
beth. From  motives  of  policy,  the  English  Court  gave  assis- 
tance to  the  Prince  of  Conde,  and  his  party,  in  their  contests 

'  In  Epist.  Calvini  p.  113,  115,  et  p.  145.    Amst.  Edit. 


1560  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  205 

with  the  Guises,  to  secure  the  toleration  of  their  principles  and 
^vorship.  By  dividing  the  French  at  home,  they  prevented . 
them  from  aiiording  that  aid  to  Mary,  Queen  of  Scotland, 
which  might  have  enabled  her  to  maintain  and  establish  her 
claims  to  the  dominion  of  that  country.*  Men  and  money 
Avere  furnished  by  Elizabeth  to  the  Reformers  in  France,  and 
those  who  emigrated  to  England  were  kindly  received,  and 
tolerated  in  that  form  of  worship,  which  she  ^ras  at  this  time 
assisting  their  brethren  at  home  to  establish.  Under  such 
circumstances,  the  Presbyterian  form  of  worship  was  introdu- 
ced and  tolerated  in  England.  By  the  direction  of  Edmund 
Grindal,  Bishop  of  London,  the  emigrants  >vrote  to  Calvin  to 
send  them  a  Minister,  who  should  establish  a  Church  upon 
the  same  principles  of  doctrine  and  order  of  w  orship  a\  ith 
the  Genevcse.  Nicholas  Gallasius  came  to  London  for  that 
purpose.  Grindal  and  other  distinguished  characters  at 
Court  procured  for  them  the  Church  of  St.  Antliony  near 
merchant  taylor's  hall.f  By  Gallasius,  Calvin  ^vrotc  to 
Grindal. 

"  Galvix  to  the  Bishop  of  Lokdok. 

"  Most  excellent  and  revered  Sir,  although  you  do  not  ex- 
pect that  I  should  give  you  tlianks,  for  the  pious  services  you 
have  rendered  the  Church  of  Christ,  ycl  I  should  accuse  my- 
self of  unreasonable  ingratitude,  if  I  should  not  acknowledge 
myself  under  obligation  to  you,  for  so  respectfully  taking  up- 
on yourself  the  care  of  our  people,  who  reside  in  the  cliief 
city  of  your  diocese ;  not  only  that,  through  the  favour  of 
the  Queen,  liberty  is  given  them  of  the  pure  worship  of  God, 
but  also  that  they  might  call  from  this  city  a  faithful  raptor. 
But  since  you  have  cheerfully,  of  your  ov. n  accord,  ask'.d 

*  See  Burnet's  Iiist.  Ucform.  Anno.  1559 
t  See  Heylln,  Hist.  Presbjt.  p  217 


20G  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  1560 

\ 
and  exhorted  me  to  be  careful  lo  clmse  a  proper  Pastor  for 
them,  I  need  not  recommend  to  your  protection  and  patron- 
age those  for  whose  welfare  I  see  you  are  so  anxious.     As  you 
liave  testified  already  your  rare  and  singular  love  of  piety,  in 
assisting  them  so  liberalh^,  so  it  Avill  be  the  part  of  your  con- 
stancy to  continue  your  favour  towards  them  to  the  end.     Re- 
specting ourselves,  as  the  situation  appeared  to  demand  a 
man  of  the  most  excellent  gifts,  and  your  guests  expressly 
wished  us  to  send  them  some  one  of  our  connection,  we  pre- 
ferred rather  to  deprive  omselves,  than  not  to  accommodate 
them  according  to  their  pious  request.     We  have  yielded  to 
them  accordingly,  our  brother  Nicholas  Gallasius,  one  of  the 
three  whom  they  at  first  named.     It  is  with  regret,  that  he 
suffers  himself  to  be  torn  from  us,  by  whom  he  knows  himself 
to  be  greatly  beloved.     He  leaves  this  place  with  reluctance, 
where  liis  labours  have  been  no  less  fruitful  than  faithful ; 
yet,  overcome  by  your  exhortations,  he  has  accepted  of  this 
office,  hoping  that  he  might  be  of  more  extensive  service  iii 
enlarging  the  kingdom  of  Christ.     Necessity  alone  obliges  us 
to  dismiss  him ;    as  we  feared   that  without  his  presence, 
sufficient  provision  would  not  be  made  for  that  tender  and 
yet  unsettled  Church.     His  departure  is  no  small  loss  to  this 
place,  where  he  is  held  in  high  estimation,  and  where  he  has 
always  conducted  as  becomes  a  servant  of  Christ.     To  me 
he  is  a  dear  and  familiar  fi'iend ;  and  I  could  not  consent  to 
his  departure  without  severe  sorrow.     But  any  thing  is  to 
be  suffered   to   accommodate  our  destitute  and  persecuted 
brethren,  witli  the  assistance  tliey  so  anxiously  request.     On 
this  account,  I  am  the  more  solicitous  that  he  may  find  his 
situation  with  you  so  agreeable  as  to  lighten  his  burdens,  and 
solace  him  under  the  trials  arising  from  this  change  of  resi- 
dence.    When,  by  your  kindness,  he  shall  be  more  intimately 
known  to  you,  I  trust.  Reverend  Sir,  that  you  will  find  liim 
sufficientiv  amiable  without  the  recommendations  of  others. 


loCO  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  207 

And  now,  if  I  have  any  interest  in  your  favour,  I  entreat  you 
again  and  again,  to  continue  your  kindness  and  benevolence 
to  one  to  uhom  you  see  me  so  strongly  attached.  I  am  sin- 
cerely grieved,  that  the  Churches  throughout  the  kingdom 
are  not  yet  so  quietly  settled  as  all  good  men  \sished,  and 
had  at  first  expected.  To  overcome  obstacles,  indefatigable 
exertions  are  required.  It  is  now  expedient,  and  therefore 
the  Queen  ought  to  know  it,  that  you  should  willingly  dis- 
miss, nay  even  reject  whatev^er  savours  of  earthly  domination ; 
that  it  may  be  evident  that  your  authority  is  lawful,  and 
that  it  is  given  you  of  God  to  exercise  your  spiritual  func- 
tions. This  will  be  her  true  excellency  and  majesty.  Then 
she  will  hold,  under  Christ  the  head,  the  highest  degree  of 
dignity,  if  she  stretch  forth  her  supporting  hand  to  the  law- 
ful Pastors,  to  enable  you  to  fulfil  the  duties  which  are  en- 
joined upon  you.  But  as  your  prudence  neither  requires  ad- 
vice, nor  your  magnanimity  excitements,  I  will  only  have  re- 
course to  prayers,  and  entreat  the  Lord,  most  excellent  and 
revered  Sir,  to  govern  you  with  his  Spirit,  sustain  you  with 
his  strength,  defend  you  with  his  shield,  and  bless  your  holy 
labours.  My  colleagues  respectfully  sahite  you. 
«  Geneva,  May  15,  1560." 

The  violent  measures  of  Francis  had  driven  the  Reformers 
in  his  kingdom  almost  to  despair  of  their  cause.  But  while 
the  prospect  was  still  darkening,  and  severer  persecutions 
were  expected  to  follow  the  meeting  of  the  three  Estates  at  Me- 
lun  in  December,  Francis  died  suddenly  on  the  5th  of  that 
month.  This  event  relieved  them  from  their  immediate  ap- 
prehensions ;  and  they  subsequently  found  seasons  of  enlarge- 
ment and  comparative  repose. 

Francis  II.  was  succeeded  by  his  brother  Charles  IX.  at 
the  age  of  ten  years.  Scarcely  had  this  chilil  mounted  the 
throne  when  letter?,  written  in  his  name,  were  brought  to  Ge^ 


208  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1561 

neva  by  a  herald,  in  which  he  complained,  that  persons  from 
that  city  were  exciting  disturbances  in  his  kingdom.  He  de- 
manded that  they  should  be  immediately  recalled,  or  he 
should  not  pass  over  such  a  just  cause  of  revenge.  Calvin, 
being  summoned  by  the  Senate,  answered  in  his  own  name, 
and  in  that  of  his  colleagues,  that  at  the  request  of  the 
French  Churches,  they  had  sent  men  of  sound  faith  and  holy 
life,  well  qualified  to  assist  them  in  regulating  their  Churches, 
and  defending  the  sacred  cause ;  that  they  had  done  this, 
not  to  disturb  the  kingdom,  but  to  promote  the  Gospel  of 
peace  ;  and  that  if  any  other  accusations  were  made  against 
them,  he  and  his  colleagues  were  ready  to  answer  their  accu- 
sers before  the  King.  This  business  Wcis  proceeded  in  no 
farther,  as  the  management  of  aii'airs  in  France  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  King's  mother,  Catherine  de  Medicis,  who  held 
the  regency. 

In  September,  Calvin  dedicated  his  Prtelectiones  on  Daniel 
to  all  the  pious  norshippers  of  God,  who  were  labouring  to 
build  the  Church  of  Christ  in  France.  He  affectionately  ad- 
dressed his  countrymen,  reminding  them  that  although  he 
had  been  twenty-six  years  in  a  foreign  city,  he  had  not  been 
unmindful  of  their  welfare ;  that  he  had  assisted  their 
Churches  by  his  publick  labours,  and  by  his  private  exertions 
had  endeavoured  to  awaken  the  drowsy,  to  stimulate  the 
slothful,  to  encourage  the  fearful,  and  to  strengthen  the  wa- 
vering to  perseverance  ;  that  at  this  critical  moment,  he  ded 
icated  to  them  his  Lectures  on  tlie  Prophecy  of  Daniel,  to 
give  them  new  strength  from  the  ancient  examples  of  faith 
and  constancy,  that  they  might  not  be  disheartened  amidst 
the  storms  and  tempests  which  so  violently  assailed  them. 
And  although  at  no  period,  had  the  prospects  of  the  reformed 
Churches  in  France  been  so  promising,  yet  Calvin,  as  with  a 
prophetick  voice,  declares  to  them,  that  contests  and  trials,  far 
moTt'  severe  than  they  apprehended,  awailed  tliem. 


1561  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  309 

The  conference  at  Poissy  between  the  Romish  Prelates  and 
the  reformed  Ministers  was  now  in  session.  In  this  assem- 
bly Beza  presented  to  Charles  IX.  the  confession  of  faith 
adopted  by  the  French  Churches.  "  This  was  the  confes- 
sion," says  Mr.  Quick  in  his  Synodicon,  "  which  was  drawn 
up  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Calvin,  and  was  owned  in  their  first  na- 
tional Synod  held  at  Paris,  in  the  year  1559,  and  presented 
unto  Francis  II.  first  at  Amboise,  in  behalf  of  all  the  profes- 
sors of  the  reformed  religion  in  that  kingdom ;  afterwards 
to  Charles  IX.  at  the  conference  of  Poissy.  It  was  a  se- 
cond time  presented  to  Charles ;  and  at  length  published  by 
the  Pastors  of  the  French  Churches,  with  a  preface  to  all 
other  evangelical  Pastors,  in  the  year  1566.  It  was  also 
most  solemnly  ratified  in  the  national  Synod,  held  the  first 
time  at  Rochell,  1571,  the  year  before  the  massacre  of  Bar- 
tholomew ;  and  signed  by  Jane,  ^ueen  of  Navarre,  Henry, 
Prince  of  Beam,  Henry  de  Bourbon,  Prince  of  Conde,  Lewis, 
Count  of  Nassau,  and  Sir  Gaspard  de  Coligni,  Lord  High 
Admiral  of  France."# 

Among  the  many  distinguished  persons  of  the  Reformers, 
who  were  present  at  the  conference  of  Poissy,  were  Theodore 
Beza  from  Geneva,  Peter  Martyr  from  Zurich,  and  Nicholas 
Gallasius  from  the  reformed  Church  in  London.  The  let- 
ters which  Beza  wrote  to  Calvin,  during  his  continuance  in 
France,  afford  a  very  interesting  account  of  the  transactions  of 
the  conference,  and  the  disordered  state  of  religious  matters 
in  that  kingdom  .f 

During  its  sessions  at  Poissy,  Francis  Baldwin,  a  Lawyer, 
who  had  several  times  changed  sides  in  his  avowed  religious 
opinions,  being  suborned  by  Cardinal  Lorrain,  offered  for 
sale  in  the  palace  a  book  in  which,  under  the  mask  of  modera- 
tion,  the  corruptions  of  Popery  were  artfully  defended.     Cal- 

*  Quick's  Synodtcon  vol,l,p.  15.  f  Tn  Epist.  CaWIni. 

27 


210  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1562 

vin,  being  informed  by  Beza  of  this  circinnstance,  immedi- 
ately wrote  an  answer,  in  which  he  exposed  both  the  decep- 
tion of  the  work,  and  the  character  of  Baldwin.* 

In  the  month  of  January,  1562,  was  published  the  first 
edict  which  had  given  any  tolerance  to  the  reformed  Church- 
es. Notwithstanding  all  the  persecutions  they  had  suffered, 
the  number  of  them  had  increased  to  two  thousand  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty.]  After  the  adoption  of  the  confession  of  faith 
drawn  up  by  Calviu,  they  were  by  degrees  designated  by  the 
term  Calvinistick ;  and  their  doctrines,  by  their  enemies, 
were  termed  Calvinism. 

The  Duke  of  Guise,  the  leader  of  the  Popish  party,  being 
at  Vassi  in  Champaign,  his  attendants  "  picked  a  quarrel" 
with  the  reformed  who  were  assembled  in  their  meeting- 
house, "  singing  psalms,  and  fell  upon  and  killed  near  sixty, 
and  wounded  near  two  hundred.'*  The  civil  animosities  and 
the  wars  Avhich  followed  upon  this  outrage,  committed 
against  the  edict  of  the  King,  continued  till  march  1563. 

These  contentions  were  extremely  distressing  to  Calvin,  who 
■was  now^  considered  as  the  father  of  the  French  Churches. 
His  bodily  infirmities  were  increased  by  his  constant  labours 
in  writing,  dictating,  and  discharging  still  not  only  his  own 
official  duties,  but  also  those  of  the  President  of  the  College, 
in  the  absence  of  Beza.  The  doctrine  of  the  French  Church- 
es being  openly  attacked,  and  also  secretly  defamed  to  the 
German  Princes,  by  the  Papists  of  France,  Calvin,  in  the 
name  of  the  Prince  of  Conde,  drew  up  a  concise  account  of 
their  confession  of  faith,  which  was  presented  to  the  states  of 

•  Calvini  Opuscula,  p.  304,  Anist.  edit.     Besponno  ad  Fersipellem,  &c. 

The  propriety  of  tliis  appellation  will  appear  from  the  fact  stated  by  Anto- 

nius  Guerinius  in  his  letter  to  Baldwin,  You  have  changedyour  religion  seven 

times  within  these  tiventy  years,  Septiea  his  viginti  annis  religionem  mutasti. 

•^^  Bayle  Art.  Baudouin.    Notes. 

t  Dupin  16  cent.  B.  3,  p.  190,  B.  4,  p.  400. 


1563  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  211 

the  Empire,  at  Frankfort,  as  a  vindication  from  those  calum- 
nies. 

Premonitory  impressions  are  to  be  received  with  caution. 
The  busy  and  fantastick  power  of  imagination,  especially  in 
a  disordered  body,   may   lead  to  visionary  apprehensions 
which  are  by  no  means  to  be  regarded  as  the  premonitions 
of  Providence.     But  to  reject  all  statements  of  this  kind,  is 
contradicting  the  experience  of  some,  and  the  belief  of  others, 
sanctioned  by  the  testimony  of  corresponding  events.     On 
the   19M  of  December,  which  was  the  Sabbath,  the  wind 
having  been  unusually  high  for  two  days,  and  Calvin  con- 
fined to  his  bed,  to  a  number  of  his  friends  who  were  with 
him,  he  says,  /  know  not  what  it  is,  but  I  have  thought  that  I 
heard  a  warlike  sound  of  drums  through  the  night.     I  was  not 
able  to  persuade  myself  that  it   was  a  delusion.     I  beseech 
yoUy  let  us  pray,  for  something  of  great  moment  has  taken  place. 
In  a  few  days,  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Dreux,  which  was 
fought  between  the  Prince  of  Conde  and  the  Duke  of  Guise, 
on  the   19M  of  December ^  reached   Geneva ;   the  issue   of 
which  was  unfavourable  to  the  cause  of  the  Reformers,  as  the 
Prince  was  taken  prisoner. 

The  bodily  infirmities  of  Calvin  grew  more  complicated 
and  severe,  but  his  watchful  and  vigorous  mind  rose  in  its 
exertions.  The  nearer  he  approached  the  termination  of  his 
course,  the  more  unremitted  were  his  studies.  These  labours 
he  pursued  when  his  reputation  was  established  beyond  the 
possibility  of  enlargement,  and  when  every  personal  consider- 
ation called  him  to  repose.  His  publick  duties  were  only 
relinquished  by  absolute  weakness.  When  confined  to  his 
bed,  oppressed  mth  the  head  ache,  weakness  of  the  bowels, 
and  the  pains  of  the  gout,  he  would  dictate  letters,  treatises 
and  commentaries,  till  his  amanuensis  was  wearied.  His  an- 
swers to  the  Polanese,  against  the  enemies  of  the  divinity 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  deputies  of  the  Synod  of  Lyons; 


212  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

his  Commentary  and  Harmony  on  the  four  books  of  Moses, 
•\vi-itten  first  in  Latin,  and  translated  by  himself  into  French, 
and  his  Commentary  on  Joshua,  which  he  commenced  this 
year  and  finished  on  his  death  bed,  are  an  ample  testimony 
that  the  object  of  his  labours  was  the  glory  of  Christ  and  the 
prosperity  of  his  Church. 

On  the  6th  of  February,  15G4,  he  preached  his  last  ser- 
mon, and  closed  his  theological  lectures.  He  was  then  so 
severely  oppressed  with  the  asthma,  as  almost  to  deprive 
him  of  the  use  of  his  voice.  After  this  tune,  he  was  occa- 
sionally carried  to  the  meeting  of  the  congregation,  and  for 
the  last  time  on  the  31st  of  March.  In  a  letter  to  the  Phy- 
sicians of  IMontpelier,  dated  the  8th  of  February,  he  describes 
the  complicated  diseases,  which  his  unremitting  labours  and 
studies  had  produced  and  cherished,  with  accumulating 
strength,  from  the  earher  part  of  life.  Considering  that 
thek  generous  assistance  could  no  longer  be  of  any  service, 
he  commends  them  to  the  blessing  and  protection  of  God. 
For  ten  years  he  had  usually  abstained  from  all  animal  food 
at  dinner,  and  rarely  eat  any  thing  after  breakfast  till  his 
stated  hour  for  supper.  For  the  head  ache,  with  which  he 
was  frequently  afflicted,  he  used  fasting  as  a  common  remedy, 
and  sometimes  passed  thirty-six  hours  without  any  food. 
His  bodily  constitution  was  of  a  dry  temperament,  and  in- 
clined to  the  consumption.  His  sleep  was  short  and  unsound. 
Five  years  before  his  death,  he  was  occasionally  afflicted 
with  spitting  of  blood.  When  the  quartan  ague  abated  its 
severity,  he  ■v\'as  seized  with  the  gout  in  his  right  foot.  He 
was  at  times  visited  with  the  pains  of  the  cholick,  and  a  few 
months  before  his  death  with  the  stone.  The  Physicians 
exhausted  their  skill  in  prescribing  remedies,  and  he 
was  no  less  faithful  in  following  their  directions,  as  far  as  it 
respected  punctuality  in  taking  their  medicines.  But  nei- 
their  by  argimients  nor  bodily  distress,  would  he  be  induced 


1564!  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  213 

to  suspend  his  laborious  studies.  Lender  the  pressure  of 
these  complicated  disorders,  he  was  never  heard  to  utter  a 
syllable  unbecoming  the  fortitude  and  patience  of  a  Chris- 
tian. In  his  severest  pains  he  Avould  raise  his  eyes  to  hea- 
ven, and  say,  Horn  long,  0  Lord  ?  In  his  days  of  health  also 
he  often  used  these  words,  ^^  hen  he  heard  of  any  calamities 
befalling  his  brethren,  whose  affliction  deeply  affected  the 
sensibility  of  his  heart.  When  his  friends  expostulated, 
and  affectionately  urged  him  to  cease  in  his  sickness,  from 
dictating  and  writing,  he  would  say,  Whcd  !  nould  you  that 
nhen  the  Lord  comes,   he  should  surprise  me  in  idleness  ? 

On  the  10th  of  JMarch,  when  Beza  and  other  friends  visited 
him  in  their  usual  manner,  they  found  him  dressed  and  sit- 
ting at  the  table  on  which  he  had  been  accustomed  to  write. 
Observing  them,  he  reclined  his  head  upon  his  hand,  appar- 
rently  in  silent  meditation,  and  after  a  few  moments,  addiess- 
ed  them  in  a  slow  and  interrupted  voice,  but  with  a  cheer- 
fid  countenance ;  /  return  you  thanks,  my  dearest  brethren, 
for  your  solicitude  for  me,  and  I  hope  that  in  a  fortnight,  I 
shall  assist  at  your  assembly  for  the  last  time  ;*  after  that  I 
think  the  Lord  nill  manifest  his  mill  nith  respect  to  nie,  and 
mill  take  me  to  himself 

On  the  24th  of  March,  he  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
Consistory  for  the  discipline  of  maraJs,  and  the  service  being 
past  in  peace,  he  said,  "  I  perceive  that  the  Lord  has  given 
me  some  enlargement."  Then  taking  the  New  Testament 
in  French,  he  read  some  of  the  marginal  annotations,  which 
he  had  corrected,  aiid  asked  the  opinion  of  his  colleagues 
concerning  their  propriety.     The  exertions  of  this  day  were 

*  The  assembly,  or  meeting'  of  the  Consistorj',  before  the  administra- 
tion of  the  Sapper  was  called,  tlie  Censura  Morum,  or  discipline  of  mo- 
rals, at  which  time  Uiey  enquired  after  any  delinquencies  of  the  members, 
that  they  might  be  dealt  with  as  the  case  required,  before  coming  to  the 
table  on  the  aext  Lord's  Day. 


214  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

too  fatiguing,  and  on  the  morrow  he  was  more  unwell.  On 
the  27th,  he  was  carried  to  the  door  of  the  Council  House, 
and  walked,  supported  by  two  friends,  into  the  chamber. 
Being  uncovered,  he  presented  Beza,  the  Rector  of  the  Col- 
lege, to  the  favour  and  patronage  of  the  Senate.  He  thank- 
ed them  for  all  their  kindnesses  and  respect ;  and  especially 
for  the  proofs  of  affection  which  they  had  shewn  him  during 
his  present  illness  ;  /  feel,  said  he,  that  I  have  come  here  for 
the  last  time.  Having  uttered  these  words  with  difficulty, 
his  voice  failed  him,  cuid  he  took  leave  of  the  Senators,  who 
were  all  in  tears. 

On  the  2d  of  April,  the  stated  Sabbath  for  their  commun- 
ion, being  very  feeble,  he  was  carried  to  the  house  of  wor- 
ship in  an  easy  chair.  He  heard  the  sermon,  received  the 
Lord's  Supper  from  the  hands  of  Beza,  and  joined  the  con- 
gregation in  a  hymn,  with  a  trembling  voice,  while  his  pale 
countenance  manifested  tokens  of  peace  and  joy. 

He  made  his  will  on  the  25th  of  April,  in  which  he  express- 
es with  great  meekness,  his  views  of  the  way  of  salvation  for 
sinners,  and  his  experience  of  the  riches  of  divine  grace, 
through  Jesus  Christ. 

"  The  Will  of  John  Calvin. 

«  In  the  name  of  God,  Amen.  On  the  25th  of  April,  1564, 
I,  Peter  Chenalat,  citizen  and  Notary  of  Geneva,  witness  and 
declare,  that  I  was  called,  by  the  worthy  John  Calvin,  Minis- 
ter of  the  word  of  God,  in  this  Church  of  Geneva,  and  citizen 
of  the  same  city ;  who,  being  indisposed  in  body,  but  of  a 
sound  mind,  declared  his  determination  to  make  his  last  will 
and  testament,  and  requested  me  to  write  what  he  should 
dictate  and  declare  by  word  of  mouth — which  I  have  done, 
as  he  pronounced  and  declared,  word  for  word,  without 
omission  or  addition,  in  the  following  form  : 


1561  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  215 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  Amen.  I,  John  Calvin,  Minister  of 
the  word  of  God,  in  the  Church  of  Geneva,  oppressed  and  af- 
flicted with  various  disorders,  believing  that  Gkid  will  shortly 
remove  me  out  of  this  world,  have  determined  to  make  my 
testament,  and  to  commit  to  writing  my  last  will  in  the  fol- 
lowing form : 

«  First,  I  give  thanks  to  God,  that,  having  mercy  upon 
me,  whom  he  created  and  placed  in  this  world,  he  has  not 
only  delivered  me  out  of  the  thick  darkness  of  idolatry,  in 
which  I  was  buried,  but  has  brought  me  into  the  light  of 
his  Gospel,  and  made  me  a  partaker  of  the  doctrine  of  salva- 
tion, of  which  I  was  most  unworthy :  that,  with  the  same 
mercy  and  kindness,  he  has  graciously  borne  with  my  mul- 
tiplied transgressions  and  sins,  for  which  I  deserved  to  be  re- 
jected and  cut  off  by  him  :  that  he  has,  however,  exercised 
6uch  great  clemency  and  compassion  to^vards  me,  that  he 
has  used  my  labours  in  preaching  and  promulgating  the 
truth  of  his  Gospel.     And  I  testify  and  declare  my  intention 
to  pass  the  remainder  of  my  life  in  the  same  faith  and  reli- 
gion, which  he  has  delivered  to  me  in  his  Gospel :  that  I  have 
no  other  defence  or  refuge  of  salvation,  than  his  gratuitous 
adoption,  on  which  alone  rests  my  confidence  :  and  with  my 
whole  heart  I  embrace  the  mercy  which  he  exercises  towards 
me,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  accepting  the  merits  of  his 
death  and  sufferings,  that  in  this  way  he  may  be  satisfied  for 
all  ray  transgressions  and  sins,  that  their  remembrance  may 
be  blotted  out.     I  also  testify  and  declare,  that  as  I  am  a 
supplicant  I  ask  of  him,  that  he  would  wash  and  purify  me 
in  the  blood  of  the  exalted  Redeemer,  effuso  pro  huma>'I 
GENERIS  PECCATis,  shcd  foT  the  sws  of  the  human  race,  that  I 
may  be  permitted  to  stand  before  his  tribunal  in  the  image  of 
the  Redeemer  himself.     I  declare  also,  that  I  have  sedulous- 
ly exerted  my  labours,  according  to  the  measure  of  grace  and 
favour  which  God  has  bestowed  upon  me  ;  that  both  in  my 


216  LIFE  OF  CALVIX.  1564 

sermons,  writings  and  commentaries,  I  have  faithfully  and 
purely  declared  his  word,  and  with  integrity  interpreted  the 
holy  scriptures.  I  also  testify  and  declare,  that  in  all  the 
controversies  and  disputes  which  I  have  conducted  with  the 
enemies  of  the  Gospel,  I  have  used  neither  craftiness,  nor  the 
pernicious  arts  of  sophistry,  but  have  candidly  and  sincerely 
been  engaged  in  the  defence  of  the  truth. 

"  But,  alas,  my  study  and  my  zeal  (if  worthy  of  that  name) 
have  been  so  languid  and  remiss,  that  I  confess  innumerable 
things  have  been  wanting  in  me  to  the  full  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  my  office  ;  and  unless  the  unmeasurable  bounty  of 
God  had  been  present,  all  my  study  would  have  been  vain 
and  transient.  And  I  also  acknowledge,  that  unless  he  had 
been  present  to  assist  me  by  his  grace,  I  should  have  become, 
in  his  sight,  more  and  more  guilty  of  negligence  and  sloth, 
for  which  cause  I  witness  and  declare,  that  I  hope  for  no 
other  refuge  of  salvation  than  this,  that  since  God  is  the 
father  of  mercy,  he  may  shew  himself  a  father  to  me,  who  ac- 
knowledge myself  a  miserable  sinner. 

"  Further,  I  Avill,  after  my  departure  from  this  life,  that 
my  body  be  committed  to  the  earth,  in  that  manner,  and 
"with  those  funeral  rites,  which  are  ordinarily  used  by  this 
Church,  and  in  this  city,  until  the  day  of  the  glorious  resur- 
rection shall  come. 

"  With  respect  to  the  small  worldly  estate,  which  God 
has  bestowed  upon  me,  and  which  I  have  determined  to  dis- 
pose of  in  this  testament,  I  will,  that  Anthony  Calvin,  my 
dear  brother,  be  my  heir  ;  and  out  of  respect  to  him,  let  him 
have  and  hold  for  himself,  the  silver  goblet  which  was  given 
to  me  by  INIr.  de  Varannes,  with  which  I  desire  him  to  be 
contented,  as  I  conmiit  to  his  trust  the  remainder  of  my  es- 
tate, requesting  of  him  that  at  his  decease  this  goblet  may 
be  given  to  his  children.  I  bequeath  ten  gold  cro^^ns,  to  be 
given  by  my  l^rother  and  legal  heir,  to  the  children's  school ;. 


1564i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  217 

and  as  many  to  the  support  of  poor  strangers.  Also,  I  will  to 
Joanna,  daughter  of  Charles  Costans  and  of  my  half  sister 
on  the  paternal  side^  and  to  Samuel  and  John,  the  sons  of  my 
said  brother,  each  forty  crowns,  out  of  my  estate,  after  his 
death  :  To  his  daughters  Anna,  Susanna  and  Dorothy,  each 
thirty  crowns :  To  David,  their  brother,  on  account  of  his 
known  youthful  levity  and  petulance,  only  twenty -five 
crowns. 

"  This  is  the  amount  of  all  the  property  which  God  hatli 
given  me,  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  ascertain  it,  from  an  estima- 
tion of  my  books,  furniture  and  estate  of  every  kind.  Should 
there,  however,  prove  to  be  more,  I  will,  that  it  be  equally 
distributed  among  my  brother's  children,  not  excluding  Da- 
vid, if  by  the  favour  of  God  he  shall  conduct  himself  with 
propriety. 

"  Nothing  of  much  value,  I  believe,  will  remain  after  my 
debts  are  discharged,  the  management  of  which  business  I 
commit  to  my  brother,  in  whose  faithfuUiess  and  good  will,  I 
have  confidence,  on  which  account  I  will  and  appoint  him  to 
be  the  executor  of  this  my  testament,  and  together  with  him 
ray  worthy  friend  Laiu-ence  de  Normandie ;  giving  them 
full  power  and  authority,  without  an  order  of  Court,  to  take 
an  inventory  of  my  goods,  and  sell  the  moveables,  to  procure 
money  to  fulfil  the  conditions  of  my  ab@ve  written  will,  which 
I  have  set  forth  and  declared,  this  25th  day  of  April,  in  the 
year  1564. 

«  JOHN  CALVIN. 

"  The  next  day,  being  the  26tli  of  April  1564,  the  same 
worthy  man,  Calvin,  commanded  me  to  be  called  to  him,  to- 
gether with  Theodore  Beza,  Raymond  Calvet,  Michael  Cop, 
Lewis  Enoch,  Nicholas  Calladon,  James  de  Bordes,  Ministers 
and  Preachers  of  the  word  of  God  in  the  Church  of  Geneva, 
and  also  the  worthy  Henry  Scringer,  Professor  of  Arts,  citi- 

28 


218  LlIE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

zens  of  Geneva,  and  in  their  presence  he  testified  and  declar- 
ed, that  he  dictated  to  me  his  testament,  in  the  form  above 
written.  He  dhected  me  to  read  the  same  in  their  hearing. 
He  then  testified  and  declared  it  to  be  his  last  will,  which  he 
desired  to  have  carried  into  eifect.  In  testimony  and  confirm- 
ation of  which,  he  requested  them  all  to  w  itness  the  same 
w ith  their  hands,  which  was  done  the  year  and  month  above, 
at  Geneva,  in  the  street  commonly  called  the  Canons,  and  in 
the  house  of  the  testator.  In  proof  of  which,  I  have  sub- 
scribed the  same  with  my  hand,  and  sealed  it  with  the  com- 
mon seal  of  our  Supreme  Court. 

«  PETER  CHENALAT." 

Having  thus  made  his  will,  he  signified  to  the  four  Syo- 
dicks,  and  to  the  Senators,  his  desire  to  address  them  before 
his  death  in  the  Senate-room,  to  which  he  hoped  to  be  car- 
ried on  the  following  day.  They  answered,  that  it  \vould 
be  more  agreeable  to  visit  him,  and  requested  him  to  be 
careful  of  his  health.  On  the  next  day,  they  all  repaired 
from  the  Senate  room,  to  the  house  of  Calvin.  After  mutu- 
al salutations,  he  acknowledged  the  respect  they  had  shown 
him,  and  addressed  them  as  follows : — 

"  I  have  long  wished  for  a  conference  with  you,  but  have 
deferred  it  till  I  was  more  certainly  assured  of  the  near  ap- 
proach of  death.  I  return  you  thanks,  my  highly  honoured 
Lords,  for  having  distinguished  me  with  so  many  honours, 
which  I  have  by  no  means  deserved,  and  for  bearing  so  pa- 
tiently with  my  many  infirmities,  w  hich  I  have  always  con- 
sidered as  a  singular  mark  of  your  benevolence  towards  me. 
In  the  exercise  of  my  ministry,  I  have  been  obliged  to  under- 
go various  contests,  and  to  sustain  many  insults ;  trials,  to 
which  the  best  of  men  must  submit,  and  ^  hich  I  know  and 
acknowledge  have  not  arisen  from  your  fault.  I  earnestly 
beseech  you,  that,  if  in  any  thing  I  have  not  performed  my 


I564i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  219 

duty  as  I  ought,  you  will  ascribe  it  to  my  inability,  and  not 
to  any  indisposition.  I  assure  you,  tliat  I  have  always  taken 
a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  this  Republick ;  and  if  I 
have  not  accomplished  all  that  my  station  demanded  of  me, 
I  have  however  always  laboured  with  my  ^vhole  strength  to 
promote  the  publick  good.  Should  I  refrain  from  avowing, 
that  the  Lord  has  sometimes  used  my  endeavom's  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  this  object,  I  should  be  guilty  of  dissimula- 
tion. I  must  entreat  your  pardon,  once  more,  that  I  have 
effected  so  little  in  my  publick  and  private  capacity,  in  com- 
parison with  what  I  ought  to  have  done ;  and  I  freely  ac- 
knowledge, that  I  am  much  indebted  to  you,  for  having 
borne,  with  so  much  equanimity,  my  vehemence,  which  has 
sometimes  been  immoderate,  for  which  sin,  I  trust  I  have  al- 
so the  forgiveness  of  God. 

"  As  to  the  doctrines  which  you  have  heard  from  me,  I 
testify  to  you,  that  I  have  not  rashly  nor  uncertainly,  but  pure- 
ly and  sincerely,  taught  the  word  entrusted  to  me  of  God, 
knowing  that  otherwise  his  indignation  would  already  hang 
suspended  over  my  head  ;  but  now  I  am  confident,  that  my  la- 
bours in  the  ministry  have  not  been  displeasing  to  him.  I 
make  this  declaration,  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  before  you, 
the  more  willingly,  as  I  have  no  doubt,  but  that  Satan,  after 
his  usual  manner,  will  raise  up  many  vain,  dishonest  and  gid- 
dy minded  men,  to  corrupt  the  pure  doctrines  which  you 
have  heard  from  me." 

He  then  called  their  attention,  to  those  immense  benefits 
with  which  God  had  distinguished  them.  "  There  is  no  one," 
he  said,  "  who  can  inform  you  better  than  myself,  from  how 
many  and  how  great  dangers,  the  Almighty  and  merciful 
God  has  delivered  you.  You  see  in  what  circumstances  you 
are  placed.  AVhether  in  prosperity  or  adversity,  keep  this 
truth,  I  entreat  you,  constantly  before  your  eyes,  that  it  is  He 
alone  preserves  cities  and  kingdoms ;  and  that  He  in  return 


^*t 


220  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564i 

demands  that  they  worship  Him.  Remember  that  David, 
that  illustrious  king,  testifies,  that  it  was  when  he  enjoyed  a 
profound  peace,  that  he  experienced  his  fall,  from  which  he 
never  would  have  arisen,  if  God  had  not  stretched  out  his 
hand,  with  singular  favour,  to  his  relief.  What  then  may 
not  happen  to  \^eak  and  infirm  men,  since  so  powerful  and 
brave  a  Prince  has  fallen  ?  You  must  humble  yourselves, 
therefore,  in  the  presence  of  God,  that  he  may  give  you  grace 
to  live  in  his  fear,  and  to  put  your  whole  confidence  in  him. 
Thus  T\  ill  you  be  assvjed  of  the  continuance  of  the  same  pro- 
tection which  you  have  so  often  experienced,  and  may  pro- 
ceed with  stability,  under  his  care,  even  when  your  prosperity 
and  security  may  hang  suspended  on  a  slender  thread.  If 
things  proceed  prosperously,  take  heed,  I  beseech  you,  not  to 
exalt  yourselves  like  profane  men,  but  with  all  humility  of 
heart,  give  thanks  unto  God.  If  misfortunes  befal  you,  and 
death  surround  you  on  every  side,  still  hope  in  him,  who 
raises  even  the  dead :  Nay,  consider  well,  that  God  is  by 
this  means  awakening  you  from  your  sloth,  that  you  may 
learn  to  look  unto  him  alone,  with  the  most  entire  confidence. 
If  you  would  preserve  this  Republick  in  its  present  stability, 
give  the  most  persevering  heed,  that  you  pollute  not,  by  your 
vices,  the  sacred  seats  on  which  he  has  placed  you.  He  is 
the  Most  High  God,  King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords,  who 
will  honour  those  who  honour  him,  but  will  cast  down  in 
abasement,  those  who  despise  him.  Worship  him,  therefore, 
according  to  his  commandments,  and  think  more  and  more 
intensely  on  this  duty.  We  are  very  far  from  rendering  un- 
to God,  our  reasonable  service.  I  Imow  the  disposition  and 
manner  of  life  of  each  of  you,  and  that  you  have  need  of  this 
exhortation.  Among  those  who  excel,  there  is  no  one,  who 
does  not  come  short  of  his  duty  in  many  things.  Let  every 
one  examine  himself,  and  ask  of  God  the  supply  of  his  own 
deficiencies,    AVe  see  what  corruptions  prevail  in  most  of  the 


15G4  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  221 

Councils  of  the  earth.  Some,  cold  and  indiiTerent  to  the  pub- 
lick  interest,  pursue  with  eagerness  their  own  emoluments ;  oth- 
ers are  only  intent  upon  the  gratification  of  their  passions ;  oth- 
ers abuse,  beyond  measure,  the  talents  which  God  has  given 
them  ;  others  vainly  labour  to  display  their  own  importance, 
and  with  confidence  demand,  that  whatever  they  determine 
should  be  approved  by  the  people  at  large.  I  would  remind 
the  aged  not  to  envy  those  young  persons  whom  they  find  to 
be  adorned  of  God  with  excellent  gifts.  I  advise  the  young 
to  conduct  themselves  with  modesty,  and  to  keep  far  from  all 
self  sufticiency.  Let  not  one  interfere  with  the  duties  of  an- 
other. Avoid  animosities,  and  those  asperities  of  mind, 
which  prevent  many,  in  the  me .lagement  of  publick  concerns, 
from  discharging  correctly  the  duties  of  their  office.  You 
will  avoid  these  evils,  if  each  one  keeps  himself  within  the 
limits  of  his  own  station,  and  faithfully  fulfils  tlie  duties  which, 
in  the  Republick,  are  committed  to  his  charge.  In  judicial 
proceedings,  I  beseech  you,  to  give  no  place  to  partialities  or 
prejudices.  Let  no  one  pervert  judgment  by  artful  sophistry  : 
let  no  one  obstruct  or  weaken  the  force  of  the  laws  by  chicane 
and  plausible  address :  let  no  one  depart  from  what  is  just 
and  good.  If  the  evil  passions  are  excited  by  temptation, 
resist  them  with  firmness  ;  look  to  him  l)y  whom  you  are  pla- 
ced on  the  seat  of  judgment,  and  ask  of  him  the  guidance  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Finally,  I  again  beseech  you  to  pardon  my 
infirmities,  which  I  confess  and  acknowledge  before  God,  and 
the  Angels,  and  moreover  before  you,  venerable  Lords." 

When  he  had  said  these  things,  he  prayed  to  the  Almighty 
and  most  merciful  God,  that  he  would  enrich  them  more 
abundantly  with  his  gifts,  and  guide  them  A\ith  his  Holy  Spi- 
rit to  the  prosperity  of  the  Republick.  He  then  gave  his 
right  hand  to  each  one — and  bade  them  all  a  sorrowful  fare- 
well. They  parted  fi'om  him  with  tears  as  fi'om  a  common 
father. 


^22  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

On  the  28th  of  April,  at  the  request  of  Calvin,  all  the  Mi- 
nisters in  the  jurisdiction  of  Geneva,  assembled  m  his  room, 
and  he  addressed  them  as  follows : 

"  After  my  death,  my  brethren,  continue  in  this  work,  and 
be  not  discouraged.  The  Lord  will  preserve  this  Republick  and 
this  Church,  against  all  the  threats  of  the  enemies.  Put  away  all 
divisions  from  among  yourselves,and  embrace  one  another  with 
mutual  charity.  Consider  dailj^,  what  you  owe  to  the  Church, 
in  which  God  has  placed  you ;  and  suffer  nothing  to  separate 
you  from  it.  It  will  indeed  be  easy  for  those,  Avho  are  desir- 
ous of  leaving  their  flocks,  to  find  some  pretexts  to  cover  theu* 
desertion ;  but  they  w^ill  discover,  by  experience,  that  God 
cannot  be  deceived.  When  I  first  came  to  this  city,  the  gos- 
pel was  indeed  preached,  but  the  affairs  of  religion  were  in  a 
most  disordered  state,  as  if  Christianity  consisted  in  nothing 
but  the  destruction  of  images.  There  were  many  Avicked 
men,  from  whom  I  suffered  many  extreme  indignities ;  but 
the  Lord  God  himself  so  strengthened  me,  even  me,  I  say, 
who  am  by  nature  so  timid,  (I  speak  as  the  fact  is,)  that  I  was 
enabled  to  resist  all  their  efforts.  When  I  returned  to  this 
place  from  Strasburg,  I  yielded  to  the  call  with  an  unwilling 
mhid,  because  it  appeared  to  me  that  my  return  would  be 
fruitless.  I  was  ignorant  of  the  designs  of  God,  and  the  un- 
dertaking was  full  of  multiplied  and  magnified  difficulties. 
But  persevering  in  my  work,  I  perceived  at  length,  that  the 
Lord  blessed  my  labours.  Persevere  then,  my  brethren,  in 
your  vocation ;  hold  fast  the  established  order  ;  give  all  dili- 
gence, that  the  people  yield  obedience  to  the  doctrines ;  for 
there  are  still  some  wicked  and  insolent  men.  You  see  that 
the  order  of  the  Church  is  well  regulated ;  and  if  it  is  de- 
stroyed by  your  negligence,  you  will  bring  upon  yourselves 
the  severest  judgments  of  God.  I  now  testify  to  you,  my 
brethren,  that  I  have  always  lived  with  you,  and  now  depart 
from  you,  in  the  true  and  sincere  bonds  of  charity.     And  if. 


% 


156i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  2^3 

at  any  time,  in  the  course  of  my  sickness,  you  have  found  me 
too  morose,  I  ask  your  forgiveness,  and  give  you  many  thanks, 
that  during  my  confinement,  you  have  discharged  the  duties 
of  my  ofiice." 

He  then  reached  his  hand  to  each  of  his  brethren,  who 
retired  weeping  and  with  sorrowful  hearts. 

On  the  2d  of  May,  Calvin  received  a  letter  from  Farel,# 
now  75  years  of  age,  and  quite  infirm,  informing  him  of  his 
determination  to  make  him  a  visit.  To  this  letter  he  retui"n- 
ed  the  following  answer  : 

"  Calvin  to  Farel,  wishes  health. 

"  Farewell,  my  best  and  most  worthy  brother.  Since 
God  has  determined,  that  you  should  survive  me  m  this 
world,  live  mindful  of  our  union,  which  has  been  so  useful 
to  the  Church  of  God,  and  the  fruits  of  which  await  us  in 
heaven.  Do  not  fatigue  yourself  on  my  account.  I  draw 
my  breath  with  difficulty ;  and  am  expecting  continually 
that  my  breath  will  fail.  It  is  sufficient  that  I  live  and  die 
in  Christ,  who  is  gain  to  his  servants  in  life  and  in  death. 
Again,  farewell,  with  the  brethren.  * 

«  Geneva,  May  2, 1564." 

The  venerable  Farel,  however,  visited  Calvin,  and  renew- 
ed with  him  for  a  night  that  friendship,  m  hich  death  can- 
not dissolve,  but  which  will  be  consummated  in  the  heaven- 
ly world.  After  this,  Calvin  spent  his  time  almost  con- 
stantly in  prayer,  which  his  difficulty  in  breathing  prevent- 
ed him  from  uttering  with  a  distinct  articulation ;  but  his 
expressive  eyes  raised  towards  heaven,  and  the  serenity  of 

*  Viret  was  at  this  time  at  the  Court  of  the  amiable  and  intrepid  Jane, 
Queen  of  Navarre,  daughter  of  Margaret  de  Valois,  whose  piety  and 
constancy  she  surpassed.  Under  the  protection  of  this  patroness  of  the 
Reformers,  Viret  died  in  1571,  aged  60, 


224  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

his  countenance  bespoke  the  comfort  of  his  mind,  and  the 
solemnity  of  his  devotion.  As  his  voice  ^vas  sometimes 
distinct,  he  was  heard  to  say,  I  tvas  dumb,  0  Lord,  because 
thou  didst  it. — /  did  mourn  as  a  dove. — Lord,  thy  hand  is 
heavy  on  vie,  but  I  am  abundantly  satisfied,  because  it  is  thy 
hand. 

To  have  admitted  all  the  persons,  who,  from  affection- 
ate regard,  crouded  to  see  him,  would  have  kept  his  doors 
constantly  open.  As  he  was  unable  to  converse  with  them, 
he  requested  his  friends  to  pray  for  him  in  their  rethements, 
and  to  omit  their  visits.  To  Beza,  who  was  his  dearest 
friend,  he  intimated,  that  however  agTeealile  his  company 
might  be,  he  was  anxious,  that  he  should  not  devote  to  him 
the  time  which  he  owed  to  religion,  and  the  duties  of  his 
office :  so  careful  a\  as  he  of  the  time  which  was  dedicated  to 
the  Church,  and  so  anxious  for  the  cause  of  Christ. 

On  the  19th  of  JMay,  the  Ministers  assembled  for  the 
Censura  Morum,  and  as  their  custom  was  to  take  a  meal 
together  in  token  of  friendship,  Calvin  requested  that  they 
should  sup  in  the  hall  of  his  house.  This  meeting  was  two 
days  previous  to  the  Sabbath,  on  which  the  Lord's  Supper 
was  statedly  administered  to  their  Church.  They  assem- 
bled at  his  house,  and  at  supper  time  he  was  carried,  m  itli 
much  difficulty  to  himself,  into  the  hall.  As  he  approach- 
ed the  table,  he  said,  1  have  come,  my  brethren,  to  sit  with 
you  for  the  last  time  at  this  tabic.  The  scene  affected  them 
very  deeply.  He  offered  the  prayer,  ate  a  little,  and  con- 
versed as  composedly  and  cheerfully  as  his  weakness  Avould 
permit.  Before  the  supper  was  ended,  he  addressed  them — 
I  must  be  carried  to  my  bed,  and  with  a  serene  and  pleas- 
ant countenance  added,  these  nails  mill  not  prevent  my  un- 
ion with  you  in  spirit,  although  my  body  be  absent. 

After  this  day,    he  arose  no  more  from  his  bed.     His 
])ody  Mas  extremely  emaciated,  but  his  countenance  retained 


1564;  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  225 

still  a  degree  of  its  usual  fullness  and  vigour.  On  the  27th 
of  May,  his  voice  was  stronger,  and  he  uttered  himself 
with  more  ease.  This  was  tlie  last  effort  of  nature ;  for 
about  eight  in  the  evening,  all  the  symptoms  of  death  sud- 
denly appeared.  In  the  full  possession  of  his  reason,  he 
continued  speaking,  till,  without  a  struggle  or  a  gasp,  his 
breath  ceased,  and  the  spirit  of  this  great  doctrinal  lumi- 
nary of  the  Reformation  departed,  about  the  going  down 
of  the  sun. 

The  following  night  and  day,  the  -whole  people  were  in 
mourning :  For  the  city  had  lost  her  best  citizen — the 
Church,  her  faithful  Pastor — the  College,  her  first  Professor 
— and  every  family,  a  common  father  and  comforter. 

The  house  was  crouded  with  persons,  anxious  to  behold 
tlie  remains  of  one  whom  they  so  highly  respected.  Several 
strangers,  among  whom  was  the  Ambassadour  of  Queen  Eli- 
zabeth to  France,  who  had  made  a  visit  to  Geneva  to  see 
and  hear  him,  earnestly  requested,  as  they  had  not  been 
permitted  to  visit  him  while  he  lived,  that  they  might  at 
least  see  the  body  of  so  distinguished  a  man.  Permission 
was  granted,  but  the  curiosity  was  so  general  that  the 
friends  judged  it  expedient  to  exclude  the  visitors,  lest  they 
should  give  occasion  to  the  Papists  to  calumniate  them  as 
paying  a  religious  respect  to  his  body.  The  next  morning, 
being  the  Lord's  day,  his  body  was  wrapped  in  a  linen 
cloth,  and  enclosed  in  a  wooden  coffin.  At  two  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  it  was  carried,  being  followed  by  the  Syn- 
dicks,  Senators,  Pastors  and  Professors  of  the  College,  to- 
gether with  almost  the  whole  City,  weeping  as  they  went, 
and  deposited  without  pomp  in  the  common  burying  ground, 
called  the  Planum  Palatmii,  the  level  Court.  According  to 
his  request,  no  hillock  or  monument  Mas  erected  to  his  me- 
mory. A  plain  stone,  without  any  inscription,  was  laid  over 
the  spot  that  covered  his  body. 

29 


226  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

Beza  wrote  a  few  verses,  in  commemoration  of  his  vir- 
tues, in  which  he  alludes  to  the  simplicity  of  his  grave. 
The  following  is  a  translation  from  the  Latin  : — * 

"Why,  in  this  humble  and  unnoticed  tomb. 
Is  Calvin  laid,  the  dread  of  falling  Rome, 
Mourned  by  the  good,  and  by  the  wicked  feared. 
By  all  who  knew  his  excellence  revered  ; 
From  whom  ev'n  virtue's  self  might  virtue  learn. 
And  young  and  old  its  value  may  discern  ? 

'Tvvas  modesty,  his  constant  friend  on  earth,'' 
That  laid  this  stone  unsculptured  with  a  name. 

O  happy  turf,  enriched  with  Calvin's  worth. 
More  lasting'  far  than  marble  is  thy  fame. 

Galvin  died  aged  54  years,  10  months  and  17  days. — He 
was  28  years  in  the  ministry. 

Calvin's  stature  Avas  of  the  middle  size  ;  his  complexion 
pale  and  dark;  his  eyes  brilliant  and  expressive.  In  his 
habits,  he  was  neat  without  ostentation,  and  plain  without 
carelessness.  He  was  reasonably  temperate  in  his  diet,  and 
alike  free  from  the  pride  of  luxury  and  the  littleness  of  par- 
simony. His  hours  of  sleep  were  few  ;  his  mind  was  almost 
unremittingly  exerted  ;  and  by  his  intellectual  powers,  he 
was  distinguished  from  others,  and  held  a  dignified  and  ea- 
sy pre-eminence  among  his  cotemporaries.  The  vigour  of 
his  youth  was  a  pledge  of  a  stable  manhood.  He  gave 
early  specimens  of  mental  greatness.  The  germs  of  genius 
were  discovered  and  cherished,  by  the  patronage  of  the  no- 
ble family  of  Moramor.  His  father  observed  his  early  ha- 
tred to  vice,  and  devoted  him  to  the  cause  of  religion  ;  but 
parental  partiality  changed  his  purpose  for  the  more  lucra- 
tive and  courtly  profession  of  law.  But  God  had  enriched 
the  soul  of  this  youth  with  uncommon  talents,  for  more  ex- 

•  See  the  Scots'  Magazine,  vol.  2,  p.  89. 


1564  LIFE  OF  CALVIN. 

alted  ends.  In  the  College,  ^rhere  he  was  located  to  pursue 
his  legal  studies,  the  light  of  the  pure  doctrines  opened  upon 
his  capacious  soul,  and  dissipated  the  dark  clouds  of  oppres- 
sive superstition.  A  new  field  and  the  most  attractive  ob- 
jects rose  in  his  vieAv.  He  followed  the  impulses  of  his  heart, 
and  the  guidance  of  the  scriptures,  till  he  escaped  from  the 
dominion  of  Papal  darkness. 

The  progress  of  this  great  man  in  every  study,  in  which 
he  engaged,  was  astonishing.  His  companions  and  acquaint- 
ance acknowledged  his  superiority.  Unremitting  in  his  stu- 
dies, he  appeared  to  reach  at  once  the  heights  of  wisdom  and 
science.  In  the  morning  of  life,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two 
years,  Scaliger  "  pronounced  him  to  be  the  most  learned 
man  in  Europe."  By  the  peculiar  force  of  his  talents  he  ac- 
quired, with  facility,  that  degree  of  knowledge,  ^vhich  others 
obtain  by  a  slow  and  laborious  progress.  His  perception  was 
quick,  and  his  comprehension  vast.  He  embodied  the  rela- 
tive parts  of  a  subject,  and  presented  it  to  the  minds  of  others, 
with  a  clearness  and  precision  most  eflfectually  adapted  to 
produce  imwavering  conviction. 

His  memory  was  tenacious.  The  lapse  of  years  rarely  effa- 
ced, from  his  recollection,  persons  Avhom  he  had  once  recogni- 
zed. Amidst  cares  and  labours,  which  crouded  successively 
upon  each  other,  nothing  was  forgotten.  His  facility  of  re- 
collection, in  the  theological  chair,  was  of  great  value  to  him- 
self, and  highly  useful  to  his  pupils.  His  mind  a\  as  order, 
and  his  life  system.  In  composing  the  most  difficult  works, 
when  interrupted  for  hours,  by  company  and  conversation, 
he  would  return  and  pursue  his  subject  without  reviewing 
what  he  had  wTitten,  to  catch  afresh  the  train  of  his  thoughts. 

His  judgment  was  discriminating,  and  he  discerned,  with 
uncommon  accuracy,  the  course  to  be  pursued,  and  the 
means  to  be  used,  in  the  accomplishment  of  desirable  objects. 
His  dominion  was  over  the  intellectual  powers  of  man.    His 


228  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  156i 

plans  for  promoting  the  cause  of  religion  were  deliberately 
formed,  and  pursued  with  an  intuitive  and  prospective  ap- 
prehension of  men  and  things.  In  difficult  cases,  he  advised 
and  pursued  moderate  and  persevering  measures,  which  rare- 
ly failed  of  ultimate  success.  The  many  Churches  and  indi- 
viduals, who  sought  his  counsel,  found  his  opinions  grounded, 
not  merely  on  the  immediate  state  of  things,  but  on  the  pro- 
bable progress  and  changes  which  would  naturally  be  their 
result.  His  advice  rarely  failed  of  proving  its  wisdom, 
from  the  eiiectual  issue  of  its  operation  in  securing  the  ob- 
ject. 

In  his  writings,  Calvin  evinces  the  strongest  proof  of  a 
great  mind,  not  in  one  production,  or  on  a  single  subject, 
but  on  all  subjects,  to  which  he  directed  the  mighty  current 
of  his  thoughts.  Having  fixed  on  the  end  to  be  pursued,  ob- 
serving the  objections  to  be  obviated,  and  the  difficulties  to 
be  surmounted,  his  arguments  are  selected,  and  without  say- 
ing all  that  a  more  feeble  mind  would  say,  he  adheres  to 
those  reasons  which,  if  admitted,  other  things  foIloAv  of  course ; 
and  the  mind  feels  itself  under  the  necessity  of  assenting  to 
the  force  of  truth,  which  lights  upon  it  so  unexpectedly,  and 
so  benevolently,  and  yields  to  his  authority,  to  avoid  the  visi- 
ble absurdities,  and  more  flagrant  inconsistencies,  which  it 
finds  to  be  attached  to  previous  opinions. 

Calvin  possessed  an  intellectual  prudence,  which  enabled 
him  to  discern  the  limits  of  legitimate  knowledge.  Unlike 
those  men,  who  would  be  thought  great,  by  the  smoke 
which  they  raise,  and  in  which  they  involve  themselves, 
while  they  still  profess  to  sec  clearly,  boldly  impeaching 
others  of  their  nictating  vision,  who  are  modest  enough  to 
avow  their  inability  to  discern  the  consistency  of  absuidities, 
he  was  modest  in  submitting  to  stop  at  the  bounds  of  revela- 
tion, and  yet  bold  in  asserting  what  the  divine  testimony 
warranted.    He  intrepidly   maintained  the  sovereignty  of 


15^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN. 

God  over  moral  agents,  and  no  less  resolutely  curbed  vain 
curiosity  and  metaphysical  speculation  on  abstruse  subjects. 
Mysteries  he  left  to  God,  or  another  world.  In  systematiz- 
ing divine  truth,  he  located  doctrines,  duties  and  the  means  of 
grace  in  an  order  which  cannot  l^e  broken,  without  produ- 
cing some  such  effect  as  would  result  to  the  human  body  by 
displacing  its  members,  and  combining  them  in  a  different 
relation.  He  considered  it  the  province  of  mad  philosophy 
to  overstep  the  maxims  of  common  sense,  and  travel  into  the 
regions  of  perfectibility  by  the  light  of  human  reason.  But 
truths  involving  the  deepest  mysteries,  he  believed  on  the  tes- 
timony of  God  ;  and  was  warmly  opposed  to  that  impious 
rashness  which  rejects  whatever  it  cannot  comprehend,  or 
the  truth  of  which  it  cannot  now  see  the  utility. 

Personal  ease,  interest  and  reputation  were  secondary  ob- 
jects with  Calvin.  Love  to  the  cause  of  Christ  was  the  mas- 
ter passion  of  his  soul.  To  promote  this  cause  he  exerted 
every  talent,  and  extended  the  narrow  boundaries  allotted 
him  by  Providence,  by  arresting  each  moment  of  the  rapid 
current  of  life,  and  turning  it  to  some  useful  purpose.  He 
appropriately  selected  the  words  of  his  device,  prompte  et 
sincere,  promptly  and  sincerely.  Stern  integrity  and  incredi- 
ble fortitude  were  discovered  in  all  his  actions.  Endowed 
by  Providence  with  pre-eminent  talents,  disciplined  for  their 
effectual  use,  located  in  a  most  distinguished  city,  at  a  most 
eventful  period,  Calvin  furnishes  a  rich  model  of  learning, 
of  diligence  and  success  m  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  felt,  he 
thought,  he  A\Tote  and  laboured  for  the  most  distant  Church- 
es, and  for  posterity.  r. 

Anxious  for  the  union  of  all  the  friends  of  the  truth,  he 
was  accommodating,  in  the  most  liberal  manner,  to  the 
friends  of  the  pure  doctrines ;  but  was  unyielding  on  any 
point,  which  he  considered  essential  to  the  purity  and  pros- 
perity of  the  Church.    He  was  constitutionally  susceptible 


'» 


230  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

of  quick  emotions ;  and  he  frankly  acknowledges,  that  he  had 
not  succeeded  in  his  struggles  to  conquer  his  impatient  and 
irritable  temper,  with  all  the  success  which  he  desired.  My 
efforts,  he  says,  have  not  been  wholly  useless,  although  I 
have  not  been  able  to  conquer  the  ferocious  animal.  Ten- 
der and  forbearing  towards  the  weak,  the  ignorant  and  sin- 
cere, he  delighted  to  cherish  the  smoking  flax,  and  strength- 
en the  bruised  reed.  But  his  severity  was  sometimes  in- 
dignant against  the  open  and  obstinate  enemies  of  religion, 
who  profanely  trampled  on  the  inestimable  truths  of  Christ, 
and  endangered,  by  their  profligate  opinions,  the  souls  of 
others.  Prompt  as  he  was  sincere,  he  treated  his  friend  and 
compeer  Melancthon  w  ith  the  same  undisguised  freedom,  as 
he  used  towards  his  bitterest  enemies,  measuring  to  each  ac- 
cording, as  he  judged,  that  their  opinions  or  conduct  affect- 
ed the  cause  of  religion. 

The  writings  of  Calvin  had  a  salutary  effect  upon  the  Ro- 
mish Chmxh.  By  the  exposure  of  her  pollutions,  her  shame 
ivas  excited ;  she  abandoned  some  abuses  in  her  doctrines, 
and  girded  herself  in  a  somewhat  more  restrictive  discipline. 
The  reformed  Churches  in  France  adopted  his  confession  of 
faith,  and  were  modelled  after  the  ecclesiastical  order  of 
Geneva.  The  liturgy  of  the  English  Church  was  revised 
and  reformed  by  his  means.  In  Scotland  and  Holland  his 
system  was  adopted ;  and  many  Churches  in  Germany  and 
Poland,  indeed  in  every  country  into  which  the  light  of  the 
Reformation  has  made  its  way,  have  felt  the  influence  of  Iiis 
powerful  mind.  But  at  Geneva,  as  a  central  point,  "  he  was 
the  light  of  the  Church,  the  oracle  of  the  laws,  the  supporter 
of  liberty,  the  restorer  of  morals,  and  the  fountain  of  litera- 
ture and  the  sciences."  To  him  the  Genevese  owe  the  estab- 
lishment of  their  University  and  Schools,  which  have  enabled 
them  to  furnish,  to  every  country  in  Em'ope,  so  many  In- 
structors and  men  of  science.     Skilled  in  the  profession  of 


1564  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  231 

law,  Calvin  aided  in  establishing  those  civil  and  political  re- 
gulations which,  together  with  the  Ceiisura  Morwn  of  the 
Church,  secured,  for  so  long  a  period,  the  prosperity  and  sta- 
bility of  that  Republick.  The  author  of  the  Spirit  of  Lans 
observes,  with  his  usual  discrimination,  "that  the, Genevese 
ought  to  celebrate  the  birth-day  of  Calvin,  and  that  of  his  arri- 
val within  the  walls  of  their  city."  Zuinglius,  Luther  and 
Melancthon,  stars  of  the  first  magnitude,  had  appeared 
above  the  horizon  in  the  first  dawning  of  the  Reformation, 
and  were  the  precursors  and  earnest  of  a  glorious  day.  Cal- 
vin arose  later,  but  with  a  superior  intellectual  splendour,  and 
moved  in  an  orbit  more  extensive  than  the  other  luminaries 
of  that  period.  "  His  extensive  genius,  flowing  eloquence, 
immense  learning,  extraordinary  penetration,  indefatigable  in- 
dustry, and  fervent  piety,  placed  him  at  the  head  of  the  Re- 
formers."* 

It  was  a  bold  enterprise,  an  arduous  task,  to  attack  and 
demolish  the  strong  holds  of  passionate  and  interested  super- 
stition. It  was,  however,  a  more  Herculean  labour,  to  cleanse 
the  Augean  stable  of  Popish  pollutions,  and  to  gather  the  ma- 
terials, and  erect  and  establish  an  edifice  of  doctrines  and  dis- 
cipline, which  should,  at  the  same  time,  support  that  Gospel 
by  which  it  was  itself  supported.  Tliis  was  the  object  for 
which  Calvin  laboured,  to  combine  a  system  of  Church  order 
which,  under  Christ  the  head,  should  embrace  a  living  princi- 
ple to  pepetuate  itself  under  all  the  diversities  of  civil  govern- 
ment. Nothing  is  perfect  with  man,  but  the  Refoimer  of  Ge- 
neva has  done  much,  under  the  light  of  Revelation,  and  in 
conformity  to  her  principles,  to  extend,  over  the  intellectual 
and  moral  powers  of  man,  a  dominion,  which  will  proborbly 
exist  in  every  free  and  elective  government,  and  only  termin- 
ate with  the  close  of  time. 

*  Maclaine's  note,  iti  Mpsheiw. 


232  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1564 

In  tlie  last  and  trying  scene  of  life,  Calvin  appeared  with 
all  the  dignity  which  the  Christian's  hope  can  give  to  fallen 
man.  While  death  was  breaking  his  feeble  hold  from 
earthly  things,  his  soul  reposed  with  unshaken  confidence  on 
the  promises  of  God,  and  he  endured  the  light  and  momenta- 
ry aiflictions,  apprehending  the  eternal  weight  of  glory.  He 
took  leave  of  the  IMinisters  of  tlie  Church,  and  Magistrates  of 
the  Republick,  like  a  father  departing  from  his  family.  His 
warnings  and  counsels  were  affectionate  without  regret,  and 
generous  without  jealousy.  He  acknowledged  his  own  weak- 
%^  ness,  and  admonished  them  of  theirs.     Experienced  in  trials 

and  difficulties,  he  pointed  out  the  way  to  avoid  or  surmount 
them,  by  fearing  God  and  keeping  his  commandments. 
Thus  Calvin  closed  in  peace  a  course  of  life,  which  it  is  easier 
to  censure  than  to  imitate. 


LETTERS 


OF 


CALVIJSr  Jl^^B  OTHERS, 
REFERRED  TO  IN  THE  PRECEDING  MEMOIRS. 


« 


Letter    I.  Prefatory  Address  to  the  Commentary  on  th^. 
.  Psalms. 

II.  Calvin  to  Francis  Daniel. 

III.  Bucer  to  Calvin. 

IV.  Calvin  to  Peter  Caroli. 

V.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

VI.  Calvin  to  the  Genevese  Church. 

VII.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

VIII.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

IX.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

X.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XI.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XII.  James  Bernard  to  Calvin. 

XIII.  Calvin  to  Bernard. 

XIV.  Calvin  to  Vket. 

XV.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XVI.  Luther  to  Melancthoii. 

XVII.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XVIII.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XIX.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XX.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XXI.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

30 


234  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

Letter    XXII.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XXIII.  Address  of  the  Protestant  Princes,  &c.  to 
Francis  I. 

XXIV.  Calvin  to  Farel. 

XXV.  Calvin  to  the  Church  of  IMontbeillard. 

XXVI.  Sultzer  to  Calvin. 

XXVII.  Calvin  to  Myconius. 

XXVIII.  IMelancthon  to  Calvin. 

XXIX.  Calvin  to  the  Ministers  of  Neufchatel. 

XXX.  Calvin  to  the  Queen  of  Navarre. 

XXXI.  Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

XXXII.  Bucer  to  Calvin. 

XXXIII.  Bucer  to  Calvin. 

XXXIV.  Calvin  to  the  Protector  of  England. 

XXXV.  Calvin  to  Melancthon. 
XXXA^I.  Calvin  to  Bucer. 

XXXVII.  N to  Calvin. 

XXXVIII.  Calvin  to  Bullinger. 

XXXIX.  Cranmer  to  Calvin. 
XL.  Calvin  to  Cranmer. 

XLI.  Calvin  to  Cranmer.  ^ 

XLII.  Hooper  to  Calvin. 

XLIII.  Melancthon  to  Calvin. 

XLIV.  Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

XLV.  Calvin  to  Sir  John  Cheke. 

XL VI.  Melancthon  to  Calvin. 

XL VII.  Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

XLVIII.  Melancthon  to  BuUinger. 

XLIX.  Calvin  to  Martyr. 

L.  Melancthon  to  Calvin. 

LI.  Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

LII.  Calvin  to  Bullinger. 

LIII.  Calvin  to  Sir  William  Cecil. 

LIV.  Calvin  to  Olcvianus. 


i^BrtERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  235 

,      LETTER  I. 

JoHK  Calvin,  to  the  pious  awd  ingenuous  reader s,  greeting. 

(Extract  from  the  Epistle  prefatory  to  his  Commentary  on 
the  Psalms.     Calvin's  works,  volume  third.) 

As  David  was  raised  from  the  sheep- 


fold  to  the  highest  dignity  of  government,  so  God  has  dig- 
nified me,  derived  from  an  obscure  and  humble  origin,  with 
the  high  and  honourable  office  of  JMinister  and  Preacher  of 
the  Gospel.     My  father  had  destined  me,  from  my  child- 
hood, for  theology.     But,  observing  how   extensively  the 
science  of  the   law    enriclied  its    professors,    he    suddenly 
changed  his  purpose ;  and  recalled  me  from  the  study  of 
philosophy  to  that  of  jurisprudence.     In  this  I  obeyed  the 
will  of  my  father,  and  endeavoured  to  give  faithful  atten- 
tion.     God,   however,  with  the   reins  of  his  secret  Provi- 
dence, eventually  turned  my  course  in  a  different  direction. 
At  my  first  entrance  on  that  study,  I  was  indeed  too  perti- 
naciously addicted  to  the  superstitions  of  the  Papacy,  to  be 
easily  drawn  out  of  such  deep  mire  ;  and  my  mind  too  firm- 
ly rooted  in  those  habits,  to  yield  with  docility  to  a  change 
in  my  studies  so  entire  and  unexpected.     At  length,  howe- 
ver, having  experienced  some  taste  of  the  pure  doctrines,  I 
was  inflamed  with  such  zeal  to  progress  farther,  that,  al- 
though I  did  not  reject  my  other  studies,  yet  I  puxsued 
them  only  in  a  cold  and  indifferent  manner.     One  year  had 
not  elapsed,  before  all  those,  who  were  desirous  of  the  know- 
ledge of  the  purer  doctrines,  flocked  to  me  for  instruction, 
while  as  yet  I  was  myself  a  mere  beginner  in  that  school. 

My  natural  disposition  was  reserved  ;  I  always  loved  re- 
tirement and  liesure ;  and  at  this  time  I  chose  to  be  unmo- 


236  LIFE  or  CALVIN.  letters. 

lested  and  unknown.  This,  however,  was  not  granted  me  ; 
and  all  my  retreats  became  as  much  frequented  as  a  publick 
school.  At  last,  while  it  w  as  my  whole  purpose  to  cherish 
my  studies  in  unknown  retirement,  God  so  surrounded  me 
with  changes,  that  I  was  frustrated  in  my  wishes ;  and,  in 
opposition  to  all  my  inclinations,  I  was  forced  into  publick 
notice.  For  this  reason,  I  left  France,  and  retired  into  Ger- 
many ;  that,  by  hiding  in  some  obscure  corner,  I  might  en- 
joy that  repose  which  had  long  been  denied  me.  But  ob- 
serve, while  I  lived  unknown  and  secluded  at  Basil,  the  burn- 
ing of  many  pious  men  in  France  excited,  throughout  Ger- 
many, severe  indignation.  In  order  to  remove  these  resent- 
ments, wicked  and  false  pamphlets  w  ere  dispersed,  in  which 
it  was  asserted,  that  those,  w  ho  were  thus  cruelly  burnt, 
were  only  Analjaptists,  and  some  turbulent  persons  w  ho,  by 
their  perverse  conceits,  were  attempting  to  overthrow  not 
only  religion,  but  the  whole  order  of  civil  government.  Per- 
ceiving that,  by  this  artifice,  the  crafty  courtiers  of  Francis 
designed  to  cover  the  crime  of  shedding  innocent  blood,  and 
to  cast  a  false  reproach  on  those  holy  martyrs,  and  also  from 
that  time  to  secure  to  themselves,  under  this  pretence,  the 
privilege  of  persecuting  the  Reformers,  even  to  death,  with- 
out the  hazard  of  exciting  the  resentment  or  compassion  of 
any  on  accomit  of  their  suiierings,  I  determined  that  my  si- 
lence could  not  be  excused  from  perfidy ;  and  that  it  was 
my  duty  to  oppose  those  proceedings  with  all  my  power. 

Tlie  reasons  for  my  publishing  the  Ixsii tuxes  were : — 
i'irstj  that  I  might  vindicate,  from  unjust  reproaches,  tliosc 
brethren  whose  death  Mas  precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 
Secoiidly^  because  similar  punishments  tlureatened  many  de- 
fenceless and  oppressed  persons,  for  whom  I  was  anxious  to 
excite,  at  least,  some  compassion  and  solicitude  among  foreign 
nations.  This  work  was  not  then  so  full  and  laborious  as  it 
now  is,  scd  Ircvc  dv.ntaxat  Enchiridion  tunc  in  lucem  prodiity 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  231 

but  a  short  Manual  only  was  then  publislied,  having  solely 
in  view,  to  testify  the  faith  of  those  whom  I  saw  wickedly 
put  to  death,  by  the  impious  and  perfidious  courtiers  of  the 
King.  Besides,  that  I  by  no  means  sought  to  increase  my 
own  fame,  is  evident  from  my  immediate  departure  from 
Basil,  when  as  yet  no  one  in  that  city  kne\v  me  to  be  the  au- 
thor. This  I  continued  to  conceal,  as  it  was  my  determin- 
ed purpose  to  be  unknown,  mitil  I  was  retained  at  Geneva, 
not  so  much  by  counsel  and  intreaty,  as  by  the  formidable 
and  solemn  injunction  of  William  Farel,  which  arrested  me, 
not  otherwise  than  if  God  from  Heaven  had  laid  his  poAv- 
erful  hand  upon  me. 

As  the  wars  had  obstructed  the  difect  road  to  Strasburg, 
I  had  determined  to  pass  rapidly  through  this  city  ;  and  to 
make  no  longer  stay  than  for  a  single  night.  A  short  time 
before  this,  the  Papacy  had  been  overthrown  by  the  labours 
of  those  excellent  men,  Farel  and  Peter  Vuet.  JMatters  ^\  ere 
however  yet  unsettled,  and  the  city  was  divided  into  cor- 
rupt and  noxious  factions.  A  certain  man,  who  by  a  base 
defection  has  since  returned  to  the  Papists,  immediately  made 
me  known.  Farel,  warm  with  incredible  zeal  for  spreading 
the  Gospel,  instantly  exerted  all  his  influence  to  retain  me. 
WTien  he  understood,  that  my  pm-pose  Avas  to  devote  my?elf 
to  private  and  retired  studies,  and  found  that  he  prevailed, 
not  at  all  with  me  by  entreaties,  he  proceeded  even  to  the 
imprecation — That  God  nould  curse  my  retirement,  if  I  should 
withhold  inij  assistance  hi  so  great  necessity.  Struck  "vvith 
awe  by  this,  I  omitted  ray  journey ;  but  so  conscious  was  I 
of  my  bashfulness  and  timidity,  that  I  would  not  pledge  my- 
self certainly  to  undertake  the  pastoral  charge. 

Scarcely  four  months  had  passed,  when  ue  were  attack- 
ed, on  the  one  hand,  by  the  Anabaptists,  and  on  the  other, 
by  a  wicked  apostate  who,  relying  on  the  clandestine  assist- 
ance of  certain  Syndicks,  v<-as  enabled  to  ci\'e  us  very  much 


238  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  :f.ETTER§. 

trouble.  In  the  mean  time,  domestick  seditions  agitated  us 
extensively  in  continual  succession.  Notwithstanding  I  am, 
from  my  natural  disposition,  timid,  flexible  and  without  cou- 
rage, yet  I  w^as  compelled  to  bear  these  impetuous  tumults 
at  my  very  entrance  on  the  rudiments  of  office.  Although 
I  was  not  overwhelmed  by  these  tumultuous  waves,  yet  so 
great  magnanimity  did  not  sustain  me,  but  that  I  rejoiced, 
beyond  -what  was  becoming,  when  I  was  so  factiously  eject- 
ed from  my  office.  Being  discharged,  and  free  from  the 
obligation  of  my  calling,  I  determined,  in  the  first  place,  to 
repose  myself  in  retirement ;  when  that  most  excellent  Mi- 
nister of  Christ,  Martin  Bucer,  drew  me  back  to  my  first 
station,  by  an  adjuration  similar  to  that  used  by  Farel. 
Awakened  by  the  example  of  Jonah,  which  he  proposed,  I 
entered  upon  the  office  of  Teacher.  Although  I  was  uni- 
form in  avoiding  publick  celebrity,  I  know  not  by  what 
means  I  was  induced  to  attend  the  imperial  conventions, 
where,  willing  or  unwilling,  I  must  of  necessity  appear  pub- 
lickly  in  the  presence  of  multitudes,  Afterwards,  when  the 
Lord,  by  shewing  mercy  according  to  his  word,  had  by 
his  marvellous  strength  dissipated  those  counsels,  which  were 
as  wicked,  as  the  endeavours  of  the  factious  to  execute  them 
were  sanguinar}',  a  necessity  Avas  laid  upon  me  of  being 
brought  back  again  to  my  original  station,  against  the  de- 
sires of  my  heart.  Although  ij^e  prosperity  of  this  Church 
was  of  such  high  concern,  that  I  w^ould  w  illingly  have  un- 
dergone death  for  its  sake,  yet  my  timidity  suggested  a 
great  variety  of  excuses,  why  I  should  not  afresh  subject  my 
shoulders  to  a  burden  so  oppressive.  At  last,  however,  the 
obligation  and  repsonsibility  of  ray  office  determined  me  to 
restore  myself  to  the  flock  from  which  I  had  been  violent- 
ly separated ;  yet  with  what  deep  sorrow^,  abundant  tears, 

and  extreme  anxiety,  the  best  of  Beings  is  my  witness. 

'From  that  time,  w  ith  \vhat  various  conflicts  he 


lETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  239 

has  exercised  me,  and  with  what  trials  he  has  proved  me,  if 

I  would  relate  them,  the  history  would  be  long. 

Geneva,  July  23,  1557. 

LETTER  II. 

John  Calvin  to  Francis  Daxiei,. 

Ab  I  have  to  relate  to  you  a  multitude  of  events,  Avhicii 
would  afford  me  matter  for  a  long  letter,  I  shall  limit  my- 
self accordingly,  and  give  you  rather  an  index  than  a  narra- 
tive, for  should  I  indulge  in  details,  they  would  grow  to  a 
volume.  On  the  first  of  October,  it  is  customary  for  the 
youths,  who  pass  from  their  grammatical  studies  to  the  dia- 
lecticks,  to  be  exercised  in  the  performance  of  plays.  At 
this  anniversary,  a  play  was  performed  in  the  College  of  Na- 
varre, which  was  filled  with  bitterness  and  raillery,  rather 
than  the  severity  of  satire.  Among  the  characters  introduc- 
ed, was  a  Queen,  busied  about  nothing  but  handling  her 
needle,  or  holding  her  distaff.  Megera  enters,  and  with  her 
torch  makes  a  signal  to  the  Queen  to  throw  aside  her  needle 
and  her  distaff.  The  Queen  at  first  refuses,  but  soon  after 
yields  to  the  Fur^/,  from  whom  she  receives  the  Gospel, 
which  deprives  her  of  all  she  before  knew,  and  makes  her 
almost  forget  herself.  She  presently  becomes  a  tyrant,  and 
persecutes  the  miserable  and  inoffensive,  with  every  kind  of 
severity.  To  these  were  added  many  other  similar  fictions, 
equally  unjust  in  their  application  to  the  woman,  whom  the 
author  evidently  designed  to  insult.  The  affah',  for  fconiii. 
days,  was  kept  secret.  But,  as  truth  is  the  duvghter  of  fimcj 
the  whole  story  was  soon  related  to  the  Queen.  Beiieviiig 
that  if  this  insult  was  passed  over  unpunished,  it  might  af- 
ford a  dangerous  example  to  all  those  who  ^vere  fond  of  no- 
velty, she  ordered  the  commander  of  the  guards  to  repair 


240  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  jletters. 

immediately  to  the  College,  with  an  hundred  men.  At  his 
order,  they  surrounded  the  house  so  that  no  one  should  es- 
cape, while  with  a  few  attendants  he  entered,  but  found 
not  the  author  of  the  play.  The  offender  had  not,  they 
say,  anticipated  this  event,  but  being  in  the  room  of  a 
friend,  and  hearing  the  tumult,  he  was  secreted,  iiU  an  op- 
portunity was  afforded  for  hLs  escape.  The  officer  of  th& 
guards  seized  the  actors,  but  the  Principal  of  the  College 
made  opposition,  and  during  the  altercation,  stones  were 
thrown  by  some  of  the  students.  Notwithstanding,  he  ap- 
prehended them,  and  obliged  each  of  them  to  recite  the  part 
he  had  acted  in  the  play.  Exceptions  were  taken  against 
the  whole  comedy.  But  as  the  author  could  not  be  found, 
they  proceeded  to  secure  those  Avho  might  have  suppressed 
the  performance,  and  who  yet  sanctioned  it  with  theu'  per- 
mission, and  dissembled  about  it  afterwards.  The  first  in 
authority,  Lauret,  requested  to  be  lodged  in  the  house  of  the 
Commissary,  as  a  more  decent  place  than  a  prison.  Mori- 
nus,  the  next  instructor  in  order,  was  commanded  to  remain 
at  home,  until  he  should  be  examined.  "Wliat  has  been  dis- 
covered since,  I  cannot  say.  Their  trial  is  said  to  be  defer- 
red till  three  days  hence.     Thus  much  for  comedies. 

Some  factious  Divines  have  committed  another  outrage 
equally  malicious,  though  not  so  daring.  Having  found,  in 
examining  the  shops  of  the  book-sellers,  a  work  entitled  2'Jte 
Mirror  of  a  sinful  Soid,-^  they  placed  it  in  the  number  of 
those  books,  the  reading  of  which  they  prohibited.     When 

•  This  work  v/as  In  French  verse,  and  contained  several  thlng-s  not  com- 
mon in  the  Church  of  Rome.  In  it  no  mention  was  made  of  any  men  or  wo- 
men saints,  nor  merits,  nor  any  other  purgatory  but  the  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ.  The  prayer,  commonly  called  tlie  Salve  Regina,  was  by  the  Queen 
in  this  work  applied  to  Jesus  Christ.  This  book  excited  tlie  indignation  of 
NoelBeda,  Principal  of  the  College  of  Monlajgu,  and  the  rest  of  the  Sor- 
bonne  of  his  temper  ;  and  this  led  to  the  acting  of  the  play,  in  which  the 
Queen  of  Navarre  was  instilted.     Reza  Eccles.  Hist,  quoted  by  Baylc. 


iETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  241 

the  Queen  heard  this,  she  complained  to  the  King,  and  con- 
fessed herself  to  be  the  author.  The  King  ordered  the  di- 
rectors of  the  Parisian  University  to  inform  him,  whether 
they  had  placed  it  among  the  books  which  inculcated  the 
reprobated  religion.  If  they  had,  to  give  him  the  reason  of 
their  judgment.  Nicolas  Cop,  a  Physician,  now  Rector  of 
the  University,  brought  this  enquiry  before  the  Colleges  of  the 
arts,  of  medicine,  philosophy,  theology  and  the  canon  law. 
With  the  Professors  of  the  arts,  among  whom  he  had  the 
right  of  speaking  first,  he  inveighed,  in  a  long  and  bitter 
speech,  against  the  rashness  of  those,  who  had  usurped  that 
right  over  her  Majesty. 

He  advised  them  not  to  expose  themselves  to  so  great  danger, 
lest  they  should  excite  the  anger  of  the  King,  by  taking  up 
arms  against  the  Queen,  the  protectress  of  virtue  and  litera- 
ture. And  lastly  he  cautioned  them  against  taking  this  fault 
upon  themselves,  and  thereby  cherishing  the  wickedness  of 
those  who  are  ready  to  attempt  any  thing  under  this  pretext. 
The  Academy  has  done  it,  even  when  the  Academy  has  given 
no  such  authority.  They  unanimously  agreed,  to  abjure  the 
condemnation  of  the  work.  The  Professors  of  theology,  ©f 
canon  law  and  medicine,  passed  the  same  decree.  The 
Rector  announced  the  decree  of  his  order,  and  the  other 
Professors  followed  his  example  ;  and  lastly,  the  Pastor  of  the 
Parish  of  St.  Andrews,  on  whom  the  blame  now  devolved, 
after  extolling  in  the  most  magnificent  terms  the  integrity  of 
the  King,  who  had  thus  far  conducted  himself  as  the  zeal- 
ous protector  of  the  faith,  added  that  there  were  some  aban- 
doned men,  who  endeavoured  to  pervert  his  royal  mind,  who 
had  conspired  to  effect  the  fall  of  the  sacred  faculty  ;  but 
he  Avas  confident,  that  they  would  effect  nothing  against  the 
established  constancy  of  the  King.  As  to  the  business  under 
consideration,  he  had  indeed  been  appointed,  by  the  decree 

31 


2^2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i.etxers. 

of  the  Academy,  to  the  office  of  Book-censor y*  but  nothing  had 
ever  been  farther  from  his  mind,  than  to  attempt  any  thing 
to  the  injury  of  the  Queen,  Avhom  he  considered  as  a  woman 
distinguished  for  the  sanctity  of  her  morals,  and  the  purity 
of  her  religion ;  in  proof  of  which,  he  would  only  mention 
the  funeral  obsequies  with  which  she  had  honoured  the  me- 
mory of  her  departed  mother.  That  he  held  as  condemned 
only  such  oliscene  books  as  the  Pantagruel,f  and  the  Sylvam 
mnorum,  et  ejus  monetce ;  and  that  he  had  placed  this  among 
those  whicli  were  suspected,  it  having  been  published  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  faculty ;  the  blame  therefore  rested  on 
the  decree  by  which  it  was  forbidden  to  publish  any  book 
unapprobated,  that  respected  matters  of  faith.  In  fine,  said 
he,  this  will  be  my  protection,  that  I  did  by  the  order  of  tlie 
faculty  what  is  now  called  in  question.  The  fault,  if  there  is 
any,  is  common  to  all,  although  they  deny  it.  He  said  also, 
that  he  had  spoken  other  things  in  French,  that  all  might  un- 
derstand whether  he  spoke  the  truth.  But  they  were  filled 
with  indignation  that  he  should  endeavour  to  cover  his  igno- 
rance with  such  a  cloak.  The  Bishop  of  Senlis,  Stella  and, 
some  of  the  Prefects  of  the  royal  palace  were  present  at  this 
debate.  When  the  Pastor  had  finished,  Parui,  the  Bishop  of 
Senlis,  said  he  had  read  the  book,  and  found  nothing  worthy 
of  censure,  unless  he  had  forgotten  his  theology.  He  closed 
by  requesting,  that  a  decree  should  be  published,  which 
would  satisfy  the  King.  The  Rector,  Cop,  declared,  that 
the  Academy  did  not  acknowledge,  approve  or  take  upon  it- 
self the  censure,  whatever  it  was,  by  which  the  book  was  num- 
bered among  those  which  were  condemned  or  suspected. 
That  it  might  appear  by  what  reasons  they  defended  them- 

*  The  Censors  of  books  were  a  body  of  Doctors,  at  Paris,  who  were  es- 
tablished by  the  Pope  in  the  fifteenth  century,  with  the  privilege  of  suppress 
sing  of  correcting  books  after  or  before  their  publication. 

t  A  Romance  of  Rabelais. 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  243 

selves,  the  Academy  addressed  letters  to  the  King,  in  which 
they  made  their  apology,  and  gave  him  thanks  for  having 
called  them  together  in  a  manner  so  kind  and  paternal.  A 
decree  was  obtained  from  the  King,  ordering  that  the  Bishop 
of  Paris  should  appoint  the  Preachers  in  the  different  parish- 
es, as  those  who  had  made  the  election  before,  acting  accord- 
ing to  their  own  fantastical  humour,  had  called  to  this  service 
the  most  clamourous,  and  those  filled  with  a  species  of  fury 
which  they  termed  zeal,  than  which  the  sun  was  never  more 
burning,  and  yet,  with  such  zeal,  they  were  zealous  over  the 
house  of  God.     Farewell.         1533. 

LETTER  III. 

BUCER  TO  C.VLVIil. 

Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  to  you,  my  much  esteemed 
brother,  and  fellow-labourer  in  the  Lord.  We  have  entreat- 
ed the  illustrious  and  truly  noble  Maurus  Museus,  personally 
at  Basil,  and  now  by  letters,  to  obtain  your  consent  to  assist  us 
in  our  controversial  disputes  on  religious  subjects.  We  must 
acknowledge,  as  it  appears  to  us,  that  the  Lord  has  destined 
you  to  be  eminently  useful  to  his  Churches,  and  will  exten- 
sively bless  your  ministry.  We  arc  anxious  that  both  we 
ourselves,  our  Churches,  and  those  who  are  preparing  for  the 
ministry  with  us  or  elsewhere,  should  be  in  harmony  with 
your  sentiments  on  every  point  of  theology.  You  must  be 
sensible,  how  extensively  injurious  it  will  be  to  the  cause  of 
the  Churches,  if  a  difference  of  opinion  is  entertained,  even  on 
minor  points,  among  the  principle  Pastors.  If  we  are  faith- 
ful to  ourselves,  the  Lord,  I  trust,  will  put  it  in  our  power  to 
promote  unanimity  of  opinion  among  the  JNIinlsters  and 
Churches,  especially  if  we  can  have  your  doctrines  illustrated 
and  enforced  by  yourself. 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

We  will  cheerfully  meet  you,  in  any  place  you  will  ap- 
point, for  the  purpose  of  a  conference  upon  the  v  hole  adrni- 
nistration  of  evangelical  doctrines,  preserving  the  highest  re- 
spect for  the  truth  of  Clii'ist,  and  a  becoming  regard  for  you 
in  the  Lord.  This  age  has  so  advanced  in  the  practice  of  calum- 
niating whatever  is  judiciously  said,  or  correctly  written,  and  of 
judging  with  the  most  rigid  severity  whatever  is  of  an  opposite 
character,  that  it  becomes  us  to  use  every  means  to  render 
our  ministry  as  influential,  as  its  importance  is  dignified.  We 
are  under  the  strongest  obligations,  to  bring  all  our  exertions 
into  unison,  both  to  secure  our  writings  and  discourses  from 
any  unmerited  reproach ;  and  to  exhibit  the  beauty  of  holi- 
ness in  that  simplicity  of  language  which  is  adapted  to  the 
capacities  of  the  very  children  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  You 
are  sensible,  my  respected  brother,  and  fellow-labourer  in  the 
Lord,  how  highly  the  Apostle  Paul  estimated  the  meetings 
and  conferences  of  holy  men,  as  tending  to  promote  know- 
ledge and  purity  ;  how  cheerfully  he  travelled  over  land  and 
sea  to  animate  those  believers,  whom  he  knew  to  be  anxious 
for  the  edification  of  the  Church,  to  be  frequent  in  their  so- 
ciety. Appoint,  therefore,  a  place,  either  at  Basil,  Bern,  or 
even  at  Geneva,  if  the  duties  of  your  ofiice  confine  you,  that 
we  may  religiously  confer  upon  subjects,  which,  although 
clearly  apprehended  by  you,  to  our  tardy  understandings, 
require  a  more  extensive  illustration.  The  wise  are  debtors 
to  the  unwise,  that  they  also  may  understand.  It  would  af- 
ford us  much  pleasure,  did  our  ecclesiastical  duties,  which 
we  cannot  neglect,  allow  us,  even  uninvited  and  transiently, 
to  visit  the  Swiss  Churches.  I  cannot  well  express  how 
much  it  grieves  me  not  to  have  known  and  conversed  with 
you,  when  you  were  here.  Capito,  however,  communicates 
every  thing  to  me.  I  know  not  what  evil  spirit  made  him 
so  forgetful  as  not  to  introduce  you  to  me,  which  omision 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  Sm 

he  now  very  much  regrets.  Farewell,  most  learned  and  ho- 
ly man. 

Strasbukg,  November  1,  1536. 

LETTER  IV. 

Calvin  to  Peter  Cargli. 

Grace  and  peace  to  you  from  the  Lord,  who  can  inspire 
both  you  and  us  "\\ith  a  good  understanding  and  a  right 
heart.  Since  your  situation  is  such,  we  should  have  prefer- 
red to  have  you  presented  yourself  in  person,  to  treat  in  om' 
presence  concerning  a  reconciliation,  rather  than  that  you 
should  attempt  this  by  a  letter.  You  vehemently  labour  to 
prove,  that  you  did  not  excite  disturbances  in  the  Church 
without  just  cause ;  as  if  there  could  be  some  good  reason  for 
exciting  those  disturbances.  Grant  that  you  ^veTe  not  treat- 
ed in  that  manner,  by  the  brethren,  which  you  ought  to 
have  been.  Would  this  indeed  furnish  you  with  a  right  to 
raise  such  a  tumult  ?  Will  you  say,  that  it  was  the  Spirit 
of  God  that  influenced  you  to  declare  war  upon  us  all  ?  I 
do  not  say  this  to  upbraid  you ;  I  wish  I  was  permitted  to 
be  wholly  silent.  But  while  you  connect  all  those  with  Sa- 
tan, who  did  not,  at  least  according  to  your  opinion,  treat 
you  with  sufficient  equity,  you  certainly  suppose  them  to  be 
very  stupid,  if  you  imagine  that  this  business  can  be  passed 

over  in  silence.— You  still  glory  in  this,  that 

you  have  attempted  nothing  against  the  Gospel  even  at 
IMetz.  But  by  what  method  will  you  prove  this  to  us  ?  If 
any  one  carries  on  a  warfare  with  a  profound  servant  of 
Christ,  and  instead  of  aiding,  obstructs,  in  every  possible 
manner,  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  would  it  not  be  strange  if 
you  should  declare  such  a  man  to  stand  on  the  side  of  the 
Gospel  ?    Look,  I  beseech  you,  again  and  again,  to  the  end 


246  LIFE  OF  CAl.VIN.  leiierz. 

of  your  course.     We  hold  a  luiiiislry  in  no  manner  separat- 
ed from  Clu-ist.     If  you  doubt  this,  we  still  have  the  certain 
and  confident  testimony  of  our  conscience.     You  may  flatter 
yourself  as  you  will ;  you  will  at  last  find,  that  it  is  hard 
kicking  against  the  pricks.     In  the  mean  time,  how  are  you 
able  to  injure  us  ?      You  will  call  us  hereticks.     Where  ? 
Among  those,   for  instance,   who  hold   you  as  a  heretick, 
and  at  this  very  moment  expose  your  falsehoods.     Among 
the    pious  and  the   learned,  I   fear  no   injury  from  your 
reproaches.      They  see    all  these   things  in  that  light,   in 
which  I   would  have    you  receive    them,  and   call    them 
to  mind  before   that   God  whose   presence   you  begin  to 
acknowledge.     And  I  beseech  you  do  not  meditate  your  de- 
fence by  the  condemnation  of  that  injustice  in  others,  for 
which  you  want  not  only  a  foundation,  but  even  a  pretext. 
If  you  will  still  persevere  in  this  way,  I  shall  be  satisfied. 
I  would  not,  by  any  means,  have  you  cast  away  all  hope  and 
courage.     For  if  you  will  exhibit  to  us  the  true  and  sub- 
stantial index  of  a  riglit  mind,  we  are  sincerely  prepared  to 
have  you  return  immediately  into  om-  favour,  and  have  all 
things  bmied,  forgiven  and  erased  wholly  from  the  memo- 
ry.    I  wish  you  were  able,  Caroli,  to  inspect  my  breast ; 
for  there  is  nothing  I  more  desire,  than  that  you  should  in 
the  first  place  be  reconciled  to  God,  that  a  lasting  union 
might  be  formed  between  us.     But,  believe  me,  you  will  ne~ 
Ter  acceptably  serve  the  Lord,  unless  you  lay  aside  your 
haughtiness  and  bitterness  of  tongue.     If  you  have  then  a 
mind  to  return  into  favour  with  us,  we  are  prepared  to  em- 
brace you,  and  to  render  you  every  office  of  kindness  in  our 
power.     But  we  are  not  able  to  enter  into  that  compact 
which  you  demand  ;  for  how  shall  we  at  this  time  promise 
you  a  Church  ?     In  the  first  place,  you  know,  that  Churches 
are  not  at.our  disposal ;  besides,  with  what  conscience  should 
"we  j)romise  that  to  you,  before  it  is  evident,  that  we  agree 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  24j? 

in  doctrine.  You  do  not  dissemble  but  that  as  yet  you  dif- 
fer from  us ;  and  yet  you  would  have  us  designate  a  place 
for  you  as  a  teacher.  Weigh,  yourself,  the  extreme  impro- 
priety of  this.  Were  we  to  be  so  obsequious  to  you,  you 
would  correctly  judge  us  to  be  something  more  than  stupid. 
But  to  conclude,  I  beseech  you  to  examine  thoroughly  the 
whole  cause,  by  yourself,  with  a  composed  and  sedate  mind, 
and  weigh  this  letter  in  the  scales  of  candid  and  impartial 
judgment.  You  certainly  know,  that  it  is  the  highest  wis- 
dom to  turn  from  the  evil  course  into  which  you  have  en- 
tered. If  you  will  make  the  experiment,  no  office  of  friend- 
ship shall  be  wanting  to  you,  when  restored,  from  me,  and 
Farel  seriously  promises  the  same  for  himself.  You  will  re- 
member, that  the  charity  which  you  so  severely  demand  of 
others,  must  be  shewn,  in  some  measure,  towards  others.  If 
I  seem  to  be  somewhat  too  severe,  think  what  your  letter 
deserves.  I  mention  this  only  to  profit  you  ;  Avhat  I  have 
written,  is  for  the  purpose  of  calling  up  your  sins  to  your 
remembrance.  Farewell,  my  brother  in  the  Lord,  if  you 
suffer  yourself  to  be  esteemed  and  to  hold  the  place  of  a  bro- 
ther. The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  guide  you  by  the  spirit  of 
counsel  and  prudence,  that  from  those  dangerous  rocks, 
against  which  you  have  broken,  and  that  tempestuous  sea  on 
which  you  are  tossed,  you  may  be  received  safe  into  the 
haven  of  rest. 

Your  sincere  friend,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

Strasb¥rg,  August  10,  1540. 

P.  S.  Farel  bids  you  to  be  in  health,  and  wishes  that  you 
may  be  sincerely  converted  to  the  Lord,  and  so  may  you 
be  prepared  to  return  to  our  friendship  and  fraternal  union, 
as  we  ourselves  are  prepared  to  embrace  you. 


218  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  iEiruRs. 

LETTER  V. 

Calvin  to  Farel* 

I  am  so  ovcrwlielnied,  by  the  death  of  Coraud,  that  I  can- 
not put  any  limits  to  my  sorrow.     My  daily  occupations 
have  no  power  to  retain  my  mind  from  recurring  to  the  event, 
and  revolving  constantly  the  impressive  thought.     The  dis- 
tracting impulses  of  the  day  are  followed  by  the  more  tortur- 
ing anguish  of  the  night.      I  am  not  only  troubkd  with 
dreams,  to  which  I  am  inured  by  habit,  but  I  am  greatly  en- 
feebled by  those  restless  watchings,  which  are  extremely  in- 
jurious to  my  health.     But  what  wounds  my  mind  so  deeply, 
is  the  heinousness  of  the  circumstances,  if  the  suspicions  are 
true,  and  I  am  forced,  in  opposition  to  my  wishes,  to  give 
them  some  credit.     To  what  length,  will  posterity  go,  when 
such  monstrous  things  are  perpetrated  in  the  very  commence- 
ment of  our  labours.     I  fear,  and  not  without  reason,  that 
this  wickedness  will  be  shortly  punished  by  some  dreadful 
calamity  of  the  Church.     It  is  in  fact  no  small  token  of  di- 
vine displeasure,  which  we  now  experience,  that  amidst  the 
scarcity  of  good  men,  the  Church  should  be  deprived  of  Co- 
raud, whose  talents  and  piety  placed  him  among  the  first  of 
that  character.     Shall  we  not  then,  my  brother,  mourn  this 
distressing  calamity,  and  be  in  bitterness  under  the  chastise- 
ment of  our  Father  ?     But  however  oppressed  with  grief  we 
still  have  the  light  of  consolation,  springing  up  from  those  tes- 
timonies of  affection  and  respect,  by  wliich  his  acquaintance 
amply  prove  their  exalted  opinion  of  his  ability  and  integrity. 
And  the  Lord  will  not  permit  the  iniquity  of  our  enemies  to 
remain  concealed  even  from  the  eyes  of  men.     They  have 
not  gained  a  single  hair  by  his  death.     He  still  bears  testimo- 
ny against  their  wickedness,  at  the  tribunal  of  God ;  and  his 


iEiTEBs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  249 

accusing  voice  will  more  clearly  sound  destruction  in  their 
ears,  than  if  tlie  Almighty  himself  should  shake  the  earth. 

The  Lord  has  spared  us,  to  survive  Coraud.  Let  us  be 
diligent  to  follow  hLs  example  ;  and  watchful  to  tread  in  the 
path  of  increasing  light,  till  we  shall  have  finished  our  course. 
Let  no  difficulties  dismay  us,  or  any  weight  of  eartlily  sulTer- 
ing  impede  our  progress  towards  that  rest  into  which,  we  trust, 
he  is  received.  Without  the  hope  of  this  glory  to  cheer  us 
in  our  way,  we  shall  be  overcome  with  difficulties,  and  driven 
to  despair.  But  as  the  truth  of  the  Lord  remains  firm  and 
unshaken,  so  let  us  abide  in  the  hope  of  our  calling,  until  the 
hidden  kingdom  of  God  be  made  manifest. 

Our  adversaries  have  sounded  the  alarm,  by  an  open  decla- 
ration of  wau  at  Minden,  which  being  merely  on  a  religious 
account,  we  are  all  implicated.  If  the  God  of  armies  guards 
us  by  his  strength,  we  shall  have  a  firm  and  invincible  pro- 
tection ;  otherwise  we  can  make  but  a  feeble  defence,  and 
shall  be  easily  overpowered.  To  this  asylum  let  us  unitedly 
have  recourse ;  for  it  will  remain  unmoved  though  the 
earth  should  be  shaken  to  its  centre.  We  shall  not  cease  to 
solicit  a  Council  until  it  is  obtained. 

Sonerius  has  presented  another  question  for  our  discussion ; 
whether  it  is  lawful  for  him  and  others  in  like  circumstances, 
to  receive  the  Lord's  Supper,  from  the  hands  of  such  pollu- 
ted men,  or  even  to  communicate  with  them  ?  On  this 
question,  there  was  no  difierence  between  Capito  and  myself. 
We  answered,  that  Christians  ought  to  have  an  aversion  to 
schisms,  and  if  possible  avoid  them.  Such  should  be  their 
reverence  for  the  ministry,  and  the  sacraments,  that  wherev- 
er  these  are  perceived  to  exist,  there  the  Church  should  be 
acknowledged.  Let  the  Ministers,  therefore,  by  whom  God 
permits  the  Church  to  be  governed,  be  what  they  may,  if  the 
signs  of  the  true  Church  are  perceived,  it  will  be  better  not 
to  separate  from  the  communion.    Nor  is  it  an  objection, 

32 


250  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  tETTES^, 

tliat  sonic  impure  doctrines  are  there  delivered ;  for  there  is 
scarce  any  Church  which  retains  none  of  the  remains  of  igno- 
rance. It  is  sufficient  for  us,  that  the  doctrine,  on  which  the 
Church  of  Christ  is  founded,  should  hold  its  place  and  influ- 
ence. Nor  should  we  object,  that  one  who  fraudulently  ob- 
tains, or  even  wickedly  thrusts  himself  into  the  place  of  a  true 
Minister,  should  not  be  considered  as  a  legitimate  Pastor.  It 
is  not  the  business  of  private  persons  to  entangle  themselves  in 
these  scruples.  They  communicate,  in  the  sacraments,  with 
the  Church,  who  agree  to  have  them  dispensed  by  the  hands 
of  those  whom  they  consider  as  holding  the  standing  of  Minis- 
ters. And  although  it  belongs  to  the  members  of  the  Church, 
to  know  who  or  Ashat  their  Pastors  are,  and  whether  they 
hold  their  office  justly  or  unjustly,  yet  they  ought  to  suspend 
any  judgment  until  they  are  able  to  settle  the  questioQ  in  a 
lawful  manner.  Although  they  should  employ  such  persons, 
there  will  be  no  danger,  that  they  should  appear  to  acknow- 
ledge them  with  approbation,  or  settle  them  by  stipulated 
contract.  In  this  manner  they  will  give  testimony  of  their 
patience,  by  bearing  with  those  vrhom  they  suppose  worthy 

of  condemnation,  in  a  regular  and  solemn  judgment. 

• 1  entreat  you,  my  brother,  in  this  age  of  iniquity, 


to  endeavour  to  retain  all  who  are  in  any  degree  tolerable. 
Concerning  ceremonies,  see  that  the  brethren  do  not  contend 
with  the  same  obstinacy  as  their  neighbours.  Let  all  things 
be  conducted  so  that  Ave  may  be  only  the  servants  of  peace 

and  concord. The  Lord  preserve  and  strengthen  you, 

my  dear  brother,  by  his  Spirit,  in  all  your  trials.  Your  soli- 
citude for  me  requires  that  I  should,  in  return,  recommend 
to  you  to  be  careful  of  your  health.  You  appear,  it  is  said, 
to  be  very  much  Avorn  doAvn.  I  entreat  you,  ray  brother,  to 
think  so  much  of  others  as  to  remember,  that  you  are  still 
necessary  to  them,  and  the  Church  of  Christ.    A  thousand 


lETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  251" 

salutations  to  all  my  brethren  Avith  you,  to  Tiret,  See,    Capi- 
to,  Sturmius  and  Firmius  salute  you. 
Strasburg,  October  24,  1538. 

LETTER  YI. 

Extracts  from  Calvin's  Letter  to  the  Genevese  Church- 

In  the  first  place,  laying  aside  all  respect  of  per- 
sons, examine,  I  pray  you,  with  what  honour  the  Lord 
would  have  you  treat  those  whom  he  has  appointed  Pastors 
and  Ministers  in  his  Church.  He  requires  us  to  yield  obe- 
dience with  reverence,  while  they  preach  his  word  ;  and  he 
commands  us  to  treat  with  honour  those  Avhom  he  has  dig- 
nified with  his  embassy,  and  wills  that  we  ackno\\  ledge  thera 
as  his  messengers.  It  is  true,  while  we  were  with  you,  we 
did  not  much  contend  about  the  dignity  of  our  ministry, 
lest  we  should  open  some  door  of  suspicion ;  but  as  we  are 
now  placed  beyond  that  danger,  we  may  fi'eely  oii'er  you  our 
opinion.  Had  I  intercourse  with  those  Slinisters,  I  would 
teach  them  the  true  nature  of  their  office,  and  their  obliga- 
tions to  you.  Let  each  one,  both  Ministers  and  private  per- 
sons, require  of  himself  the  correct  duties  of  his  onn  life,  and 
observe  more  carefulhj  nhat  he  uncs  to  others,  than  what  is  due 
from  them  to  him.  When  this  circumspection  shall  be  exer- 
cised and  adopted,  as  a  fixed  principle,  then  indeed  those 
who  hold  the  place  of  IMinisters  of  the  word,  seeing  your 
seuls  are  committed  to  their  government,  "vnll  be  acknow- 
ledged by  you  in  the  place  of  parents ;  and  held  in  reputa- 
tion and  honour  for  their  office'  sake;  r.liich  they  discharge 
mth  you,  from  the  vocation  of  God.  Nor  would  I  be  un- 
derstood by  this,  to  take  away  that  right  which  God  has 
committed  to  you,  and  to  all  his  Churches,  that  they  should 
fzamine  all  Pastors,  distinguishing  the  pure  from  the  vile, 


2$2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  letters. 

and  reprimand  those  who,  under  the  disguise  of  Pastors, 

would  exercise  the  rapacity  of  wolves. But 

if  you  dispute  and  contend  with  your  Ministers,  even  to 
noise  and  strife,  as  I  hear  is  the  case,  it  is  very  evident,  that 
the  ministry  of  those  in  whom  the  glory  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ought  to  be  manifest,  is  subjected  to  disgrace  and  re- 
proach ;  and  is  almost  trodden  under  foot.  It  is  your  du- 
ty, therefore,  attentively  to  take  heed  to  this  one  thing,  lest 
while  you  suppose  you  only  insult  men,  you  in  fact  declare 
war  against  God  himself.  Nor  should  it  appear  to  you  a 
matter  of  small  moment,  that  schisms  and  sects  should  be 
made  and  cherished  in  the  Church,  which  the  heart  of  eve- 
ry Christian  must  hear  of  Avith  horror.  When  separations 
and  withdrawings  of  this  kind  take  place,  between  a  Pastor 
and  his  people,  the  thing  speaks  for^itself.  Finally  then,  accept 
tliis  advice :  If  you  would  hold  me  as  a  brother,  let  there  be 
a  solid  union  among  you,  a  union  worthy  of  the  exalted 
name  of  brethren ;  lest  you  should  reject  that  ministry  which, 
for  your  benefit,  and  the  prosperity  of  the  Church,  I  was 
compelled  to  approve,  without  respecting  the  favour  or  iesx 
of  men.  We  have  always  admonished  you  to  acknowledge 
ilie  subversion  of  your  Church  as  the  necessary  visitation  of 
God,  both  for  your  chastisement  and  our  own;  and  that 
you  should  not  so  much  turn  your  strength  against  those 
wicked  men,  who  were  the  instruments  of  Satan,  as  upon 
your  own  sins,  which  justly  deserved  a  more  severe  punish- 
ment than  that  which  has  been  inflicted. 
Stuasburg,  June  25,  1639. 

LETTER  VII. 
Calvin  to  Farel, 

To  preclude  your  fm-ther  anxiety  for  my  long  expected 
letter,  I  shall  forward  it  fresh  from  my  pen,  without  waiting 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  253 

for  the  arrival  (k  Michael.  I  will  pass  at  present  my  con- 
ference with  Melancthon  ;  and  state  the  progress  of  af- 
fairs since  my  last.  The  unjust  conditions,  boldly  advanced 
by  the  Ambassadour  of  the  Emperour,  had  well  nigh  termi- 
nated in  the  assumption  of  arms  to  settle  the  controversy. 
He  proposed  that  our  brethren  should  separate  from  the  Sa- 
cramentarians.#  You  will  be  aware,  that  this  is  the  artifice 
of  Satan,  who  cherishes  on  this  occasion  the  former  animosi- 
ties  which  he  sowed ;  while  at  the  same  time  new  offences^ 
like  flaming  torches,  are  kindled  up  to  excite  still  greater 
contention.  Our  German  brethren,  however,  while  they  re- 
fuse to  acknowledge  the  Sacramentarians,  are  desirous  of  a 
union  with  the  Helvetick  Churches.  The  Emperour  event- 
ually relinquished  this  point,  which  he  had  laboured  to  esta- 
blish as  the  means  of  efl^ecting  a  truce.  I  earnestly  wish, 
that  these  things  may  be  useful  to  the  Churches ;  but  in  look- 
ing them  over  in  their  effects,  they  promise,  in  my  opinion, 
nothing  beneficial.  The  Elector  of  Saxony  clearly  appre- 
hends this,  and  though  supposed  to  be  habitually  of  a  dilatory 
temperament,  he  is  now  fixed  in  the  opinion,  that  we  are  under 
the  necessity  of  hazarding  the  consequences  of  war.  The  Land- 
grave, beyond  all  expectation,  dissuades  from  warlike  mea- 
sures ;  and  although  he  consents  to  yield  to  his  allies,  if  they 
shall  judge  it  expedient,  yet  his  influence  has  operated  ex- 
tensively in  abating  the  ardour  of  those  who  reposed  a  confi- 
dence in  his  constitutional  promptitude.  The  prospect  now 
looks  favourable  for  an  approaching  truce,  in  which  every 
attention  will  be  given  to  those  objects  that  may  be  condu- 
cive to  unanimity  of  opinion.  The  adversaries,!  intent  to  frus- 

*  These  were  the  foUowets  of  Zuinglius,  of  the  Church  of  Zurich,  be- 
tween whom  and  the  followers  of  Luther  there  was  a  wide  difterence  of  opi- 
nion,  about  the  manner  of  the  presence  of  Christ  in  the  sacrament. 

f  These  were  the  Pope's  agents,  as  appears  from  Seckendorf,  vol.  2.  aa- 
no  1539. 


254j  life  of  CALVlxN.  i^ExrERs. 

trate  our  purpose  in  uniting  the  Churches,  meditate  only 
measures  which  may  bring  about  the  war.  The  Elector  of 
Saxony  will  go  from  the  Assembly  to  visit  the  Duke  of 
Cleves,  whose  sister  he  married.  If  the  Elector  can  draw 
the  Duke  over  to  the  cause  of  religion,  it  will  be  a  great  be- 
nefit to  the  Churcli  of  Christ.  He  is  the  most  powerful 
among  the  Princes  of  Lower  Germany  ;  and  is  not  exceeded 
in  extent  of  dominion,  nor  surpassed  in  superiority  of  juris- 
diction, by  any  but  Ferdinand  himself. 

When  Bucer  last  wrote  me,  nothing  had  been  determined 
concerning  the  embassy  to  the  King  of  France,  for  the  safety 
of  the  brethren,  and  the  support  of  the  cause  of  religion. 
The  subject  will  be  discussed  and  arranged,  A\hen  other  mat- 
ters shall  have  been  determined,  as  they  Avill  then  be  enabled 
to  state  their  request  to  the  King  ^vith  more  fulness  and  force 
of  argument. 

My  conference  Avith  Melanctlion  embraced  a  great  varie- 
ty of  subjects.  Having  previously  written  him  concerning 
the  agreement,  I  urged  the  necessity  of  obtaining  the  opinion 
of  the  best  men,  upon  a  matter  of  so  much  importance.  I 
forwarded  to  him  a  few  articles,  in  which  I  had  concisely 
summed  up  the  doctrines  of  truth.  To  these  he  consented 
without  controversy,  but  stated  that  some  in  that  quaiter 
demanded  something  more  fujl  and  explicit,  and  with  such 
obstinacy  and  overbearingness  that  he  Avas,  for  some  time, 
in  danger  of  being  considered  as  having  wholly  departed 
from  their  opinions.  Although  he  did  not  suppose  that  an 
established  agreement  would  continue  long,  he  still  wished 
that  this  union,  whatever  it  might  l)e,  sliould  be  cherished, 
until  the  Lord  should  draw  us  on  both  sides  into  the  unity 
of  his  truth.  Doubt  not  but  that  Melancthon  is  wholly  in 
opinion  with  us. 

It  would  be  tedious  to  detail  our  conversations  on  a  di- 
versity of  subjects ;  but  tlicy  will  afford  us  an  agreeable  to- 


iETTEKS.  LIFE  OF  CAX.VIN.  1^5 

pick  at  some  future  interview.  When  we  entered  on  the 
subject  of  discipline,  he  mourned,  as  we  all  of  us  do,  about 
that  imhappy  state  of  the  Church,  which  we  are  all  allowed 
to  deplore,  rather  than  correct.  You  must  not  suppose,  that 
you  alone  labour  under  the  painful  burden  of  ineffectu- 
al discipline.  Every  day  new  examples  are  occurring, 
which  should  excite  us  all  to  the  most  vigorous  exertions, 
to  obtain  the  desired  remedy  for  these  evils.  A  Minister  of 
integrity  and  learning  was  lately  ejected  from  Ulm,  with 
the  severest  reproach,  because  he  would  not  indulge  them  in 
their  vices.  He  was  dismissed  with  a  very  honourable  re- 
commendation from  all  his  colleagues,  and  especially  from 
Frechthus.  AVhen  this  was  reported  at  Augslmrg,  it  excit- 
ed the  most  unpleasant  sensations.  These  things  have  a  ten- 
dency to  encourage  the  licentious  to  consider  it  as  a  matter 
of  sport,  to  interrupt  the  Pastors  in  their  ministerial  duties, 
and  to  drive  them  into  exile.  Nor  can  this  evil  be  reme- 
died, as  neither  the  people  nor  the  Princes  distinguish  be- 
tween the  brotherly  discipline  of  Christ,  and  the  tyranny  of 
the  Pope. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  Melancthon,  that  we  must  yield,  in  a 
due  degree,  to  the  adverse  winds  of  this  tempestuous  season  ; 
and  without  despairing  of  eventual  success,  cast  our  eyes  for- 
ward to  some  favourable  moment,  when  our  enemies  may  be 
less  powerful,  and  we  more  able  to  introduce  the  remedy  for 
these  internal  evils.  Capito  is  strongly  impressed  with  tlie 
belief  that  the  Church  is  ruined,  unless  God  shall  supply  some 
speedy  succours,  and  good  men  become  united  in  her  defence. 
Despairing  of  doing  any  good,  he  has  a  desire  for  death  as  a 
release  from  his  unprofitable  labours.  But  if  our  vocation  is  of 
the  Lord,  of  which  we  are  confident,  he  will  bless  and  succeed 
us  through  all  the  difficulties  that  may  be  thrown  in  our  Avay. 
liCt  us  attempt  all  remedies,  and  if  they  fail,  still  let  us  per- 
sist in  our  calling  to  the  last  breath. 


SSe  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  lETTEas. 

The  Waldeiisiau  brethren  arc  indebted  to  me  for  a  crown, 
one  part  of  which  I  lent  tliem,  and  the  other  I  paid  to  their 
messenger,  who  came  with  my  brother  to  bring  the  letter  from 
Sonerius.  I  requested  them  to  pay  it  to  you,  as  it  will  part- 
ly pay  you  my  debt,  the  rest  I  will  pay  when  I  can.  Such  i? 
ray  condition  now,  that  I  have  not  a  penny.  It  is  singular, 
although  my  expenses  are  so  great,  that  I  must  still  live  upon 
my  own  money  unless  I  would  burden  my  brethren.  It  is 
not  easy  for  me  to  take  that  care  of  my  health  which  you  re- 
commend £0  aifectionally.  Farewell,  beloved  brother.  The 
Lord  give  you  strength  and  support  in  all  your  troubles. 

Frankfort,  March,  1539. 

LETTER  VIII. 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

The  day  after  I  received  your  letter,  the  last  but  one,  I  set 
out  for  Frankfort.  I  omitted  to  answer  it,  as  my  jom'ney  was 
entirely  unexpected.  Bucer  having  informed  me  tliat  he 
could  accomplish  nothing  concerning  the  cause  of  the  breth- 
ren, I  immediately  started  for  that  place,  lest  their  safety 
should  be  neglected  among  the  croud  of  business  to  be  trans- 
acted. I  was  also  anxious  to  confer  M'ith  jMelancthon  on  re- 
ligion, and  the  discipline  of  the  Church.  The  entreaties  of 
Capito  and  others  furnislied  additional  motives,  as  did  also 
the  pleasure  I  anticipated  in  the  society  of  Sturmius  and  oth- 
er good  men  who  were  to  accompany  me. r- 


As  to  the  advice  in  answer  to  the  questions  of  Soneri- 
us, I  solemnly  declare,  that  I  recommended  no  other  union  to 
the  brethren,  than  what  is  exhibited  in  the  example  of 
Christ,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  partake  of  of  the  mysteries  of 
God  with  the  Jews,  notwithstanding  their  deplorable  impi- 
ety.   Tliey  weighed  my  advice  with  caution,  and  were  dis- 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  257 

satisfied,  that  I  made  a  difference  between  the  Minister  and 
the  people.  Of  the  dispenser  of  the  ordinance,  faith  and 
prudence  were  required  ;  of  the  people,  that  each  one  exa- 
mine himself,  and  prove  his  own  faith.  But  this  wiJl  be 
easily  explained  when  we  have  an  opportunity  of  conversing 
on  the  subject.  The  evident  judgments  of  God  against  those 
noxious  spirits.  Mho  disturb  tlie  peace  of  the  Church,  afford 
me  some  pleasure  mingled  with  my  grief,  for  I  see  that  these 
scourges  were  not  altogether  unmerited.  It  is  however  de- 
sirable, that  a  gracious  Providence  would,  by  some  means, 

free  his  Churches  from  such  polluted  members. You 

say  very  correctly,  that  their  consciousness  of  guilt  is  accom- 
panied with  an  anxiety  to  have  every  thing  buried  in  the 
deepest  obscurity,  lest  their  own  personal  baseness  should  be 
detected.  Perplexed  with  the  subterfuges  of  the  wicked, 
we  must  labour  to  the  extent  of  our  power,  and  leave  the 
event  to  the  infinitely  wise  management  of  God.  I  should 
be  gratified  in  obliterating  from  the  memory  all  those  evils, 
which  cannot  be  remedied  without  injury  to  the  cause.  But 
it  would  be  injurious  to  hide,  in  the  bowels  of  the  Church, 
those  bitter  animosities,  hatreds  and  doctrinal  differences, 
whose  virulence  woidd  thus  be  nourished,  till  ultimately  the 
body  would  be  covered  with  infectious  ulcers.  Evils  of  this 
kind  must  be  remedied,  when  lenient  measures  fail,  with  a 
reasonable  severity.  But  when  the  circumstances  will  admit, 
a  middle  way  should  be  pursued,  to  restore  the  dignity  of 
the  ministry,  to  bring  back  the  health  of  the  Church,  to  call 
into  exercise  forbearance  for  small  offences,  and  leave  no  ne- 
cessity for  intermeddling  anew  with  evils  concealed  or  sup- 
pressed. The  irritation  of  some  wounds  is  increased  by  ap- 
plications, and  their  cure  only  effected  by  quietness  and  neg- 
lect.   We  find  this  to  be  the  state  of  things  at  Frankfort. 

From  the  House  of  Saxony,  the  Elector,  his  brother,  and 
his  grandson  Maurice,  are  present,  attended  by  four  hundred. 

33 


258  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  letters. 

Iiorsemen.  The  Landgrave  was  accompanied  by  the  same 
number.  The  Duke  of  Luneiibm-g;  arrived  with  less  pomp. 
Others  are  present  w  hose  names  I  do  not  remember.  The 
other  confederates,  the  King  of  Denmark  and  the  Duke  of 
Prussia,  and  some  others,  sent  Ambassadours.  This  is  not 
strange,  as  it  would  he  hazardous  for  them  to  leave  their 
own  dominions,  at  so  great  a  distance,  in  the  present  confused 
and  perilous  state  of  affairs.  All  were  displeased,  that  the 
Duke  of  Wirtemburg,  at  the  distance  only  of  two  days  trav- 
el, should  prefer  his  hunting  and  other  diverting  sports,  to 
consulting  for  the  safety  of  his  country,  and  perhaps  of  his 
head.  He  apologized  indeed  by  others,  that  he  was  not 
afraid  to  entrust  the  whole  care  to  those  whom  he  knew  to 
be  greatly  interested  in  the  issue  of  the  business.  Men  of  the 
first  distinction  were  delegates  from  the  cities. 

In  the  first  session,  war  was  decreed  by  a  unanimous  suf- 
frage of  the  Assembly.  At  this  time,  two  Electors,  the  Count 
Palatine,  and  Joachim  of  Brandenbm'g,  with  the  Spanish  Am- 
bassadour,  Vesalis,  the  Bishop  of  Lunden,  came  into  the  Con- 
vention. They  first  opened  the  mandate  of  the  Emperour^ 
which  authorized  them  to  make  peace,  or  agree  upon  a  truce, 
with  us,  on  such  conditions  as  they  should  judge  best.  With 
laboured  harangues,  and  accumulated  arguments,  they  en- 
deavoured to  persuade  us  to  yield  to  terms  of  pacification. 
The  point  which  they  urged  most  strenuously,  and  on  which 
they  felt  our  influence  most  sensibly,  was,  that  the  Grand 
Turk,  would  prosecute  his  warlike  measures  with  more  vigour, 
in  proportion  as  he  saw  Germany  distracted  with  intestine 
wars :  that  having  possessed  himself  of  JFallachia^  he  held 
by  treaty  from  the  Poles,  the  right  of  a  free  passage  through 
their  dominions,  and  of  course  he  was  now  threatening  the 
territories  of  the  Emperour  with  invasion.  They  moved  us 
to  draw  up  the  conditions  of  a  peace ;  and  if  this  could  not 
be  effected,  they  were  anxious  that  a  truce  should  be  estab- 


LETTERS.  IJFE  OF  CALVIN.  259 

lished.  "We  made  no  question  of  their  sincerity  and  good 
faith.  For  Joachim  was  favourable  to  the  cause  of  the  Gos- 
pel, and  the  Palatine  was  by  no  means  unfriendly  to  its  suc- 
cess. But  as  our  confidence  did  not  repose  a^  itli  ease  on  the 
mandates  of  Vesalis  the  Spaniard,  we  prefen-ed  that  the  af- 
fair should  be  arranged  by  the  Electors,  who  exercised  the 
supreme  authority  in  the  Empire.  This  was  opposed  by  the 
Elector  of  Saxony,  who,  for  various  reasons,  entertained  an 
implacable  aversion  to  the  Elector  of  IMentz,  and  ^\  ho,  being 
uncle  to  Joachim,  dared  not  consent  to  an  Assembly  from 
which  his  relative  was  excluded.  Our  advocates  therefore, 
after  stating  the  injuries  they  had  received,  and  the  causes 
which  had  forced  them,  unw  illingly,  into  a  war,  proposed  the 
conditions  of  peace.  These  conditions  asserted  the  right  of 
government  over  their  own  Churches,  the  authority  of  ap- 
pointing their  own  IMinisters,  and  of  securing  to  those  who 
united  with  them  the  privileges  of  their  league.  After  these 
articles  were  presented,  we  left  Frankfort.  Bucer  has  since 
informed  me,  that  the  two  Imperial  Electors  granted  us 
something  more  than  the  Spaniard  was  ■^^  illing  to  sanction. 
The  reason  of  this  arose  from  the  necessity  the  Eraperour 
was  under,  of  courting  the  assistance  of  the  Papists  against 
the  Turks,  as  well  as  ours ;  so  he  endeavoured  to  please  both 
parties  without  giving  oifence  to  either.  At  the  close,  he 
required  that,  when  the  present  state  of  affairs  should  be 
changed,  the  learned  and  pious,  t,^  ho  were  disposed  for  union, 
should  assemble  and  agree  upon  the  articles  of  religion  which 
were  now  in  controversy  ;  and  that  the  whole  business  shouUi 
then  be  referred  to  a  Diet  of  the  Empire,  in  which  all  the 
controversies  of  the  several  branches  of  the  German  reformed 
Churches  should  be  closed.  This  Ambassadour  proposed, 
for  the  arrangement  of  these  matters,  a  truce  for  one  yeai^. 
Our  members  are  not  satisfied  with  the  shortness  of  the  time, 
nor  the  uncertainty  of  the  issue.     Every  thing  thus  remain* 


260  LITE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

in  suspense  ;  and  unless  the  Emperour  makes  farther  propo- 
sals, the  continuance  of  war  seems  inevitable 

The  petition  from  Henry  VIII.  requested  that  an  Ambas- 
sadour,  accompanied  by  Philip  Melancthon,  should  be  sent 
to  assist  in  the  more  secure  and  correct  establishment  of  the 
English  Church.  The  Princes  had  no  hesitation  about  send- 
ing an  Ambassadour  ;  but  were  unwilling  to  send  Melanc- 
thon, suspecting  that  he  was  too  yielding  and  irresolute.  He 
is,  ho\\'ever,  neither  ignorant  nor  dissembling  in  the  opinions 
w  hich  he  forms ;  and  he  even  solemnly  affirmed  to  me  that 
their  fears  were  unfounded. 

I  believe  I  know  him  perfectly ;  and  I  should  as  confident- 
ly trust  him  as  Bucer,  when  he  has  to  manage  with  men  who 
wish  to  secure  to  themselves  ample  room  for  the  indulgence 
of  their  vices.  Bucer  is  so  zealous  in  spreading  the  Gospel, 
that,  contented  w  ith  conformity  to  the  principal  points,  he 
too  carelessly  gives  up  those  smaller  ones,  which  may  have 
an  extensive  influence  in  their  consequences.  Henry  himself 
is,  in  fact,  but  half  instructed.  He  prohibits  the  marriage 
of  Bishops  and  Priests,  under  the  severe  penalty  of  being  de- 
prived of  the  pow  er  and  privileges  of  their  office  ;  retains  the 
daily  masses ;  would  preserve  the  seven  sacraments ;  and  thus 
have  a  Gospel  mutilated  and  dismembered,  and  a  Church 
filled  with  many  vanities.  He  moreover  manifests  the  estab- 
lished mark  of  a  weak  head,  by  refusing  the  translation  of  the 
scriptures  into  the' vulgar  tongue,  and  proceeding  to  prohibit, 
by  a  new  edict,  the  reading  of  them  by  the  common  people. 
And  to  put  the  matter  beyond  a  question,  that  he  is  not  in 
jest,  he  has,  to  the  grief  of  all  the  pious,  lately  caused  an  ho- 
nest and  learned  man  to  be  burnt  at  the  stake  for  denying  the 
real  presence  of  the  flesh  of  Christ  in  the  sacramental  bread. 
•  The  Princes  of  the  Empire,  though  generally  incensed 
with  such  cruelties,  a\  ill  not  relinquish  J-he  em])assy,  out  of 
regard  to  the  cause  of  religion,  and  its  progress  and  securi- 


LBTXE&s.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  261 

ty  in  that  kingdom. The  death  of  the  son 

of  Prince  George,  who  had  been  confined  on  account  of  in- 
sanity, took  place  m  hiie  the  Convention  was  sitting  at  Frank- 
fort. His  successour  will  doubtless  be  jMaurice,  whom  I 
named  among  the  confederates ;  and  of  course  the  possessions 
of  George  will  be  soon  added  to  support  the  little  flock  of 
Christ.  So  uncertain  are  the  events  which  may  change  ex- 
tensively the  present  face  of  affairs.  Our  confidence  is  in 
God,  and  our  duty  is  to  pray  fervently,  that  he  would  grant 
a  favourable  issue  to  the  present  confused  and  perplexed 
state  of  things.  My  success  in  the  cause  of  the  brethren, 
and  the  subjects  of  my  conference  with  Philip,  you  will 
learn  more  minutely  from  Michael.  My  letter  is  unfinished, 
but  the  messenger  will  not  tarry.  Farewell,  beloved  bro- 
ther. Salute  Thomas  and  all  the  brethren  from  me.  Ca« 
pito  and  Sturmius  salute  you. 

Yours,  &c.  JOHN  CALVIN, 

March  16, 1539. 

LETTER  IX. 

-  CALViy  TO  Far  EL. 

I  do  not  remember  a  day,  in  the  course  of  this  year,  ir. 
Avhich  I  have  been  so  overwhelmed  with  a  croud  of  ])u£i- 
ness.  When  the  messenger  called  for  my  book,  I  had  twen- 
ty sheets  to  revise, — to  preacli,— to  read  to  the  congre- 
gation,— to  write  four  letters, — to  attend  to  some  con- 
troversies,— and  to  answer  more  than  ten  persons,  who  in- 
terrupted me  for  advice.  Excuse  me, — I  write  briefly,  and 
not  very  accurately  about  any  thing.  The  deliberations  of 
the  Convention  at  Frankfort,  we  shall  know  correctly  ^\hcn 
Bucer  returns.  From  his  letters  he  may  be  expected  in 
ijbout  seven  days.     He  writes  me,  that  the  Princes  are  rm- 


2G2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ietiers. 

commonly  decisive  in  defending  the  Gospel.  At  Smalkald, 
they  displayed,  in  a  small  affair,  the  resolution  ^vith  which 
they  are  inspired,  by  tearing  down  some  impm-e  images  with 
their  altars,  and  abolishing  the  Elevation  in  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per. Silence  becomes  those  who,  with  such  oscitancy,  have 
been  dreaming  of  an  undefined  moderation.  I  just  afford 
you  a  taste,  that  you  may  understand  how  removed  they 
are  from  trepidation.  Our  Senate  has  proved  itself  to  be  an- 
imated ^vith  a  determined  spirit,  by  committing  to  prison 
the  Superior  of  a  Nunnery,  who  squandered  away  the  proper- 
ly of  tJie  Convent.  An  officer  of  the  Empire,  at  the  request 
of  the  Bishop,  ordered  her  to  be  released.  The  confederate 
Princes  sanctioned  the  conduct  of  the  Senate,  and  declared 
that  tliey  would  take  the  case  imc^er  their  own  cognizance. 
A  messenger  was  sent  to  the  officer  of  the  Empire,  informing 
him,  that  the  Senate  would  not  respect  his  judgment,  what- 
ever it  might  be.     We  expect  them,  of  course,  to  hurl  their 

innocuous  thunder. 'I  camiot  say  any  more. 

Yoms,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

April  20,  3539. 

LETTER  X. 

Calvin  to  Farel, 

In  my  late  interview  with  Melancthon,  I  did 

not  disguise  my  displeasure  at  the  nmltitude  of  ceremonies, 
A\  hich  renders  their  form  of  Avorship  not  very  different  from 
Judaism.  He  refused  to  contend  against  my  reasoning,  and 
admitted  that  they  retained  too  many  foolish  or  at  least 
useless  ceremonies.  But  he  pleaded  as  an  excuse  the  neces- 
sity they  were  under  of  yielding  to  the  obstinacy  of  the 
Canons  of  Wittemberg ;  but  said,  that  there  w  as  no  other 
city  in  Saxony  so  loaded  with  this  burden,  and  that  they 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  263 

should  by  degrees  be  delivered  from  the  weight  of  this  med- 
ley. He  added,  that  Luther  was  as  far  from  approbating 
the  ceremonies,  which  he  retained,  as  he  was  from  com- 
mending- our  unrescrvedness  in  their  rejection.     I  wish  our 

friend  N could  become  acquainted  with  the  sincerity  of 

Melancthon  ;  it  A\ould  divest  him  of  all  his  suspicious  about 
his  integrity.  It  does  not  follow,  because  Bucer  formerly 
defended  the  ceremonies  of  Luther,  that  he  wishes  or  at- 
tempts to  establish  them.  Nothing  could  persuade  him  to  ap- 
prove of  singing  in  Latin.  He  abhors  images.  Some  things 
he  despises,  and  cares  nothing  aljout  others.  If  these  things 
are  once  banished  from  the  service  of  the  Church,  they  will 
never  again  be  permitted  to  re-pass  her  threshhold.  H6 
disapproves  of  the  separation  between  us  and  Luther,  on 
account  of  those  little  external  observances.  Nor  do  I  ac- 
count them  a  just  cause  of  separation.  The  German  league 
has  nothing  in  it  which  ought  to  offend  a  pious  heart.  Why, 
I  ask,  should  they  not  combine  the  strength  which  the  Lord 
has  given  them,  for  the  common  defence  of  the  Gospel  ? 
They  do  not  draw  any  one  into  their  society  by  force,  nor 
any  other  restraint.  Those  cities,  which  excel  in  their  at- 
tachment to  evangelical  truth,  were  the  most  in  favour  of 
the  agreement  with  the  Papists  and  theh*  Bishops  at  Nurem- 

licrg.    I  wish  N knew  what  arts  were  made  use  of  in 

the  late  Convention,  and  with  what  obstinacy  they  were  re- 
sisted. The  Ambassadour  of  the  Emperour  exerted  all  his 
influence,  to  draw  them  off  from  the  Helvetick  Churches. 
He  did  not  name  them,  but  he  demanded  that  they  should 
not  take  up  the  cause  of  the  Sacramentaria-iS.  They  answer- 
ed, that  they  were  in  brotherly  communion  vritli  these  wliom 
he  called  Sacramentarians.  How  much  resolution  they  ma- 
nifested in  their  last  defence !  The  Emperour  imposed  the 
rule,  that  during  the  truce  they  should  receive  no  one  into 
the  league.     They  consented,  but  with  this  o^ndition  •,  that 


^Gi^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letieks. 

if  any  should  receive  the  Gospel,  they  should  be  safe,  al- 
though not  members  of  the  agreement.  And  if  they  were 
attacked,  they  declared  that  they  would  defend  all  those  as 
brethren,  who  supported  the  cause  of  Christ.  They,  in 
their  turn,  required  of  the  Emperour,  that  no  combinations 
should  be  formed,  during  that  period,  against  the  Gospel. 
The  Emperour  Avished  the  Priests  should  enjoy  the  ecclesias* 
tical  revenues  till  the  end  of  the  truce.  The  confederates 
consented,  on  condition  that  they  supported  the  Churches 
and  the  Schools ;  and  in  this  they  persisted  to  the  last.  Why 
should  I  relate  the  distinguished  fortitude  of  this  city  ? 
When  the  conditions  of  the  Emperour  were  produced  in  the 
Convention,  demanding  that  all  leagues  formed  after  the  Di- 
et of  Nuremberg*  should  be  declared  void,  that  we  should 
not  enter  into  any  new  ones,  and  that  both  parties  should  re- 
main unm''>le?ted,  until  a  conference  should  be  held  for  re- 
forming the  German  Church ;  a  decree  of  the  Senate  was 
immediately  issued,  declaring,  That  they  av  ould  see  their 
children  and  their  wives  butchered  in  their  sight,  their  pro- 
perty and  privileges  destroyed,  the  city  rased  to  the  ground, 
and  themselves  subjected  to  a  massacre,  before  they  would 
submit  to  measures,  which  would  destroy  the  progress  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ.  JMy  Farel,  consider  how  unjust  we  should 
be  to  such  men  to  remain  idle,  and  censure  those  who, 
with  a  resolution  worthy  of  their  cause,  will  not  be  driven 
from  the  line  of  duty  by  any  dangers  or  terrors  which  may 
threaten  their  destruction.  Affaii's  are  doubtless  verging  to 
a  battle.  Indeed  an  attack  has  been  made  in  the  suburbs 
of  Lunenburg. It  is  our  duty,  you  say,  to  avoid  giv- 
ing offence  to  good  men — I  grant  it  —but  it  is  equally  their 
duty  to  avoid  taking  offence  too  rashly  and  without  rea- 
son.  

Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

April,  153f>. 

*  In  1532. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  265 

LETTER  XL 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

We  have  at  length  returned  home,  after  an  absence  of 
almost  three  months.  Our  delay  was  occasioned  by  our  ad- 
versaries, who  constantly  were  devising  new  artifices  to  de- 
lude us  by  spinning  out  the  time.  When  the  Emperour 
was  said  to  be  approaching,  we  supposed  that  they  would 
have  a  good  pretext  for  their  own  justification.  For  during 
the  whole  period  they  had  eluded  any  conference  by  the  most 
impudent  shufflings ;  and  why  did  they  not  pretend  that  they 
could  have  no  consultation,  since  the  Emperour  was  now 
going  to  Ratisbon  to  hold  the  Diet  ?#  But  when  all  ^v'e^e 
preparing  to  depart,  they  unexpectedly  gave  us  an  opportu- 
nity, for  a  conference.  They  were  perhaps  apprehensive, 
that  they  could  not  escape  the  accusation  of  dishonesty,  if 
they  did  not  commence,  at  least  in  appearance,  when  we 
had  submitted  to  all  their  obtrusive  conditions.  For  they 
had  spent  a  whole  month  in  proposing  absurdities  for  oui' 
admission,  expecting  that  by  our  refusal,  they  should  have 
an  ostensible  reason  for  accusing  us  with  having  prevented 
the  conference.  By  our  patience,  we  frustrated  all  their  ex- 
pectations, by  yielding  to  every  condition  which  did  not 
materially  affect  injuriously  the  cause  of  truth.  At  length 
the  colloquy  Avas  opened.  Eckius,  being  chosen  by  our  ad- 
versaries for  theh  advocate,  commenced  with  a  speech  of 
two  hours.     3Ielancthon  answered  more   concisely.     After 

*  The  Conference  at  Worms  was  appointed  to  be  opened  on  the  28th  of 
October  1540.  From  tliis  time,  nothing'  was  effected  till  the  13th  of  Janua- 
ry, 1541.  On  this  day,  they  agreed  upon  a  colloquy,  This  was  after  the 
Emperour,  by  Granville  his  Prime  Minister,  had  published  his  determina- 
tion to  hold  a  Diet  at  Ratisbon  in  March. 

34 


266  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

dinner,  Eckius  again  proceeded  boisterously.  On  the  follow- 
ing day,  Philip  ansAvcred  him  a\  ith  great  moderation.  Eck- 
ius spoke  again  after  dinner.  The  judges  then  pronounced, 
that  they  had  disputed  long  enough  about  that  article.* 
To  the  injustice  of  this  sentence  we  objected,  that  it  was  in- 
tolerable that  our  adversaries  should  both  open  and  close 
the  debate.  But  Granville  persisted  in  his  sentence  with  the 
inflexible  obstinacy  of  an  Areopagite.  Permission  was  ob- 
tained, for  our  advocate  to  speak  again,  on  condition,  hoAv^e- 
ver,  that  our  adversaries  should  close  the  dispute.  On  the 
following  day,  Philip  closed  his  argument,  and  Eckius,  with 
more  moderation  than  usual,  ended  the  del^ate.  I  will  not 
attempt  to  describe  the  monkish  fastidiosity,  the  great  au- 
dacity, insolence  and  impudence,  with  which  this  ostenta- 
tious man  vociferated.  Imagine  to  yourself  a  barbarous 
sophist,  exulting  foolishly  among  his  illiterate  companions, 
and  you  will  have  the  half  of  Eckius. Gran- 
ville, having  assembled  the  Diet,  read  the  Emperour's  letter 
by  which  it  was  dissolved  ;  and  the  promise  was  given,  that 
he  would  examine  the  unfinished  business  at  Ratisbon.  Some 
of  the  Divines  were  ordered  to  repair  to  that  city.  The 
Senate  has  ordered  me  to  join  Bucer.  Melancthon  obtained 
this  by  particular  application.  I  mention  this,  that  you 
need  not  suspect  me  of  endeavouring  to  be  absent,  to  avoid 
any  application  from  Geneva.  When  he  took  leave  of  our  Ara- 
bassadour,  he  so  earnestly  entreated  him  to  have  me  sent  with 
Bucer,  that  I  was  quite  put  to  the  blush  ;  and  when  I  ex- 
postulated A\  ith  him,  he  answered  me,  that  he  had  the  best 
of  reasons,  and  that  my  excuses  would  not  prevent  his  urg- 
ing them,  and  insisting  that  I  should  be  brought  to  that 
Diet.     Just  before  they  offered  us  a  conference,  Gryneus, 

*  The  dispute  commenced  upon  the  doctrine  oforipnal  sin.  Eckius  and 
Melancthon  were  the  only  collocutors  appointed.  On  the  third  day,  Gran- 
ville dismissed  the  conference.    Dupin. 


i^ETTEKs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  2Q7 

Sturmius  and  myself,  liaving  requested  permission  to  retmn 
Jiome,  we  packed  up  our  things,  and  went  to  take  leave  of 
our  friends.  When  we  came  to  Philip,  he  said,  "  The  oth- 
ers may  go,  but  I  will  not  suffer  Calvin  to  go  at  this  time" ; 
and  immediately  ran  to  the  house  to  prevent  my  departure. 
You  see  that  my  appointment  was  not  of  my  own  procure- 
ment. But  I  am  foolish  in  attempting  to  M'ipe  off  a  suspi- 
cion which  probably  never  entered  your  mind,  and  which 
you  would  not  foster  if  it  did.     On  my  return  home,  I  had 

a  great  deal  of  business  Avith  Claudius. 

My  situation  is  uncertain.  I  shall  be  obliged  to  leave  my 
domestick  affairs  unsettled,  and  he  absent  as  much  as  six  or 
eight  months.  I  need  not  mention  how  injurious  to  my 
personal  interest  my  alisence  from  this  place  must  be.  This 
is  the  reason  that  my  salary  is  not  augmented.  That  which 
is  now  paid  me  scarcely  yields  me  and  my  family  a  support 
for  eight  months.  But  I  do  not  complain,  as  I  must  impute 
it  to  myself.  I  will  write  you  again  before  I  leave  home. 
Farewell,  my  beloved  brother.  Salate  all  the  brethren  af- 
fectionately. 

Strasburg,  January  28,  1541. 

LETTER  XIL 

James  Bernard  xo  Calvint. 

My  venerable  Father,  That  I  did  not  write  you  by  LeA\- 
is  du  Four,  the  Genevese  Arabassadour,  was  neither  from 
indifference  for  you,  nor  regret  at  your  reinstatement  as  the 
Pastor  of  this  Church.  I  was  absent  at  LauP"ime,  to  con- 
sult with  Peter  Viret  about  matters  that  related  to  our 
Church.  It  is  indeed  a  high  gratification  to  me,  that  you 
are  acknowledged  by  our  brethren  as  their  good  and  faith- 
ful Pastor  ;  and  especially  as  I  know  this  to  be  effected  by 


2G8  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  On  the  Lord's  day,  at  our 
Church  at  Rippa,  1  found  the  house  ahuost  deprived  of  its 
Pastors.  JMorentus  and  IMarcutius,  Avho  had  the  care  of  it, 
had  departed,  and  Henry  alone  Avas  Avith  me.  But  wliat 
were  we  in  governing  so  great  a  congregation  ?  Beholding 
the  people  all  in  tears,  I  admonished  them  to  turn  unto  the 
Lord  their  God,  and  supplicate  of  him,  ^ho  was  the  Pastor  of 
Pastors,  a  Pastor  whom  he  would  bless  tolhe  prosperity  of  his 
Church.  I  did  not  indeed  thinly  of  you,  having  given  up 
all  hopes  of  your  return.  The  people  followed  my  advice 
with  great  devotion.  The  next  day,  the  Council  of  two 
hundred  convened  and  called  for  Calvin.  The  following 
day,  a  general  meeting  assemljled.  All  exclaimed.  We  de- 
mand the  return  of  Calvin,  the  honest  man,  the  learned  JNIi- 
nister  of  Christ.  When  I  heard  this  I  praised  God,  who 
had  done  what  was  marvellous  in  our  eyes,  in  making  the 
stone  Tvhich  the  builders  rejected  become  the  head  of  the  cor- 
7icr.  Come  then,  my  venerable  father  in  Christ.  All  sigh 
after  you.  Your  estimation  in  the  hearts  of  this  people  will  be 
testified  by  their  affectionate  reception  of  you.  You  will  find 
me  not  an  opposer,  accordmg  to  the  representations  of  some, 
(may  God  forgive  them,)  but  a  faithful  and  sincere  friend,  de- 
voted to  your  wishes  in  the  Lord.  Come  then  to  Geneva,  to 
a  people  renovated,  by  the  grace  of  God,  through  the  la- 
bours of  Vuet ;  and  may  the  Lord  hasten  your  return  to  our 
Church,  whose  blood  he  a\  ill  require  at  your  hand  s,  for  he 
ha?  set  you  a  Avatchmau  unto  the  house  of  our  Israel.  Fare- 
well. 

BERNARD. 
GENEVA;  February  6,  1541- 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  269 


LETTER  XIII. 

John  Calvin  to  James  Bernard,  a  brother  and  JMinister, 
in  the  dispensation  of  the  word,  in  the  Church  of  Geneva. 

Your  letter  was  handed  me  at  the  moment  I  was  prepar- 
ed to  enter  on  my  journey.  You  will  therefore  excuse  me, 
should  my  ansv/er  be  later  than  you  expected ;  and  should  it 
be  short  and  incorrect,  as  I  write  in  haste  on  my  Avay.  Your 
urgent  request,  that  I  should  undertake  the  government  of  the 
Church  of  Geneva,  I  doubt  not,  is  made  in  good  faith,  and 
with  the  best  disposition,  as  you  judge  that  its  order  cannot 
otherwise  be  restored,  than  by  the  assistance  of  those,  whose 
departure  occasioned  it  so  severe  afflictions.  This  argu- 
ment, which  you  so  studiously  use,  always  had  much  Aveight 
on  my  mind.  It  was  indeed  because  I  feared  that  I  should 
resist  the  will  of  God,  that  I  dared  not  reject  that  vocation. 
My  conscience  now  holds  me  bound  in  the  calling  Avhich  I 
now  sustain,  nor  will  it  easily  permit  me  to  leave  it.  Af- 
ter that  calamity,  my  ministry  appeared  to  me  unhappy  and 
unpropitious,  and  I  wholly  determined  Avith  myself,  that  1 
never  Avould  undertake  the  ministerial  office,  unless  the  Lord 
himself  should  call  me  Avith  a  clear  voice,  that  is,  unless  such  a 
necessity  fell  upon  me  as  I  could  not  overcome.  The  Stras- 
burgese  perseveringly  used  every  means  to  driA^e  me  from 
this  determination  in  Avhich  I  persisted,  till  at  length  they 
succeeded.  But  they  did  not  break  my  purpose  in  the  first 
attack.  When  they  perceived  that  they  could  not  overcome  by 
repeated  arguments,  they  at  last  threatened  me,  that  I  could  no 
more  escape,  by  evasion,  the  hand  of  God,  than  Jonah  formerly 
did  by  his  flight.  It  is  not  therefore  strange  that  I  should 
not  lightly  leave  that  station  in  Avhich  the  liord  has  placed 
me.     I  am  not,  hoAvcATr,  so  fixed  in  this  place,  but  that  ! 


270  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ietteks. 

am  prepared,  at  the  same  time,  to  remove  as  often  as  it  shall 
be  determined  by  the  judgment  of  the  Chmch.  But  I 
.shall  not  remove  without  a  lawful  order ;  and  this  was  the 
reason  why  I  referred  the  whole  business  to  the  judgment 
of  the  Church.  My  brethren  and  colleagues,  whom  for 
their  merit  I  respect  in  the  Lord,  and  whose  authority  I  es- 
teem not  otherwise  than  that  of  parents,  incline  rather  to  this 
course,  that  I  with  Bucer  should  go  to  Geneva,  and  after 
ascertaining  the  state  of  the  Church,  should  determine 
what  the  good  of  the  cause  requires.  But  this  we  can  by 
no  means  immediately  accomplish,  as  we  are  now  on  our  way 
to  the  Diet  of  Ratisbon.  As  soon  as  we  return  home,  you 
need  not  doubt  but  that  the  subject  will  receive  our  atten- 
tion. The  beginning  of  this  business  you  know  always  just- 
ly displeased  me.  And  from  the  first  unfavourable  entrance 
upon  it,  I  expected  no  good,  unless,  as  I  have  always  be- 
sought tlie  Lord,  he  should  make  you  and  your  colleagues 
faithful  Ministers  to  himself.  In  the  mean  time,  many 
thmgs  are  reported,  which  I  am  not  pleased  to  believe,  nor 
permitted  to  deny.  It  is  with  great  grief  I  have  heard 
those  things,  which  I  foresaw  would  tend  to  the  disgrace  of 
the  sacred  ministry.  I  have  heard  Farel  and  Coraud  as 
well  as  myself  are  so  unkindly  treated,  that  it  affects  and 
wounds  my  mind  with  painful  feelings.  I  confess  for  ray- 
self,  that  I  hold  Farel  and  Coraud  in  so  higli  estimation  for 
their  piety,  learnhig  and  integrity,  that  I  cannot  hear  them 
reproached  with  indifference.  I  do  not  dissemble,  that  you 
may  imderstiind  that  I  treat  with  you  candidly  and  frank- 
ly on  this  subject.  But  since  you  discover  an  excellent  mind 
in  your  letter,  I  congratulate  you,  trusting  that  your  inward 
thoughts  correspond  with  your  words.  From  me,  in  my 
turn,  you  may  fully  expect,  what  I  certainly  engage,  all  that 
is  to  be  expected,  first  from  a  man  who  loves  peace  and 
hates  contention  ;    secondly,  from  a  friend  most  studious  of 


LETTERS. 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  271 


your  welfare ;  and  lastly,  from  one  who  is  ready  to  forgive 
offences.  In  the  mean  time,  I  call  you  to  witness,  by  the 
name  of  God,  and  by  his  tremendous  judgment,  that  you 
should  remember  that  all  your  transactions  are  with  him, 
who  will  hereafter,  with  the  severest  scrutiny,  demand  a  rea- 
son for  all  your  conduct  j  and  who  will  not  suffer  himself  to 
be  satisfied  with  words  and  trifling  excuses.  Therefore,  consi- 
der seriously  with  yourself,  that  as  you  are  engaged  in  a  call- 
ing the  most  exalted  of  all,  so  it  is  fraught  with  the  greatest 
danger,  unless  you  apply  yourself  to  your  office  with  integri- 
ty of  heart  and  the  highest  diligence.  If  you  desire  my 
approbation,  I  declare  before  hand,  that  I  ask  nothing  but 
that  you  render  a  faithful  and  sincere  service  to  the  Lord. 
Farewell,  my  dear  brother.  May  the  Lord  Jesus  prepare 
and  strengthen  you  by  his  Spirit  to  every  good  work.  Sa- 
lute, I  pray  you,  all  the  pious  in  my  name. 
Ulm,  March  1,  1541. 

LETTER  XIV. 

Calvin  to  Vieet. 

^^^len  your  letters  were  handed  me,  I  was  prepared  for  my 
journey,  and  in  the  course  of  ray  hfe  I  do  not  remember  one 
more  tumultuous.  I  now  catch  a  moment  at  UIra,  to  an- 
swer you  in  a  brief  and  confused  manner.  A  traveller  iu 
a  tavern  has  not  much  time  to  meditate,  and  properly  ar- 
range what  he  ^^Tites.  Your  letter,  if  I  correctly  remembei-, 
is  divided  into  two  parts — In  the  first,  you  would  prove 
that  the  Church  at  Geneva  should  not  be  abandoned.  Iji 
the  second,  you  contend  that  I  ought  to  hasten  my  return, 
lest  Satan  should  take  advantage  of  my  dilatoriness,  and 
throw  some  impediment  in  the  way.  To  this  I  answer,  as  I 
have  always  done,  that  there  is  no  place  on  earth,  I  so  much 


272  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

dread  as  Geneva ;  not  because  I  bear  any  hatred  to  them, 
l)ut  because  I  see  so  many  difficulties  in  my  way,  which  I 
am  very  far  from  being  able  to  surmount.  When  I  call  to 
mind  the  events  of  times  past,  I  cannot  help  shuddering  at 
the  thought  of  being  obhged  to  throw  myself  afresh  into  the 
midst  of  those  former  contentions.  If  my  lousiness  was  to  be 
with  the  Church  only,  my  mind  would  be  more  easy ;  at 
least  I  should  feel  less  dread.  But  you  must  understand 
much  more  than  I  can  write.  Take  in  a  word,  that  I  know, 
by  various  channels,  that  he,  who  can  most  injure  me,  bears 
still  an  implacable  hatred  against  me.  When  I  consider  the 
numerous  ways  which  lie  open  to  him  for  doing  evil,  how 
many  instruments  are  prepared  for  exciting  the  flames  of  con- 
tention, and  how  many  occasions  Avill  present  themselves  to 
him,  against  which  I  can  by  no  foresight  provide,  I  am  whol- 
ly disheartened.  Many  other  things  in  that  city  give  me 
no  small  anxiety.  As  I  progress  in  experience,  I  am  more 
sensible  of  the  arduous  office  of  governing  a  Church.  I 
am  not,  however,  unwilling  or  unprepared,  as  far  as  I  un- 
derstand my  ability,  to  afford  any  assistance  to  that  unhappy 
Church.  These  thoughts  disturb  and  perplex  my  mind 
with  delaying  anxieties ;  but  their  influence  will  not  prevent 
me  from  doing  every  thing  which  I  may  judge  to  be  for  its 
welfare.  Farel  is  my  witness,  that  I  have  never  uttered  a 
word  against  their  calling  me  to  return  ;  I  only  entreated  him 
that  he  would  not,  by  officiousncss,  lose  a  second  time  that 
Church  already  in  ruins.  I  have  given  sufficient  proof,  that 
nothing  is  more  conformable  to  my  wislies,  than  to  give  up 
my  life  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty.  I  do  not  dissemlile 
when  I  say  this.  "When  the  Gcnevese  Ambassadours  came 
to  Worms,  I  entreated  our  friends  with  tears,  that,  omitting 
all  consideration  of  me,  they  should  consult,  in  the  presence 
of  God,  M'hat  would  be  most  beneficial  to  the  Church,  which 
imploi fd  their  assistance.     AVJicn  v>&  came  to  tlie  house,  al- 


XETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  273 

though  no  one  urged  this  question,  I  did  not  eease  to  im- 
portune them  witli  my  prayers,  to  consider  seriously  upon 
this  subject ;  and  they  were  not  wanting  in  their  duty.  As 
we  suspected,  they  almost  immediately  decreed,  that  I  should 
be  united  with  Bucer.  But  I  declare  to  you,  as  I  did  to 
Farel,  that  this  vv^as  not  fairly  settled  ;  for  it  was  determined 
before  we  returned  from  the  Convention  of  Worms,  by  the 
influence  of  those  who  least  consulted  the  good  of  Geneva. 
If  you  consult  me,  I  see  no  reason  why  I  should  be  sent  on 
this  mission  to  Ratlsbon  ;  but  being  appointed,  I  could  not 
refuse,  unless  I  wished  to  hear  myself  every  where  abused. 
When  I  received  your  letters,  I  was  not  at  liberty  to  delibe- 
rate. I  have  stated  the  fact  as  my  excuse.  You  have  now 
an  answer  to  both  your  enquiries.  I  never  have,  I  never 
can  refuse  to  go  to  Geneva ;  and  I  promise  you,  that  my  re- 
solution shall  not  be  changed,  unless  some  more  powerful  ob- 
stacle closes  up  the  way.  I  am  charged  with  the  care  of 
that  Church  ;  and  I  know  not  how  it  is,  but  I  feel  myself 
more  inclined  to  take  the  government  of  it,  if  indeed  the  cir- 
cumstances demand  it  as  my  duty.  It  is  agreed,  that  after 
our  return  from  Ratisbon,  I  should  go  to. Geneva  witli  Bucer. 
We  will  then  consult  what  will  be  most  expedient,  under 
the  existing  circumstances,  for  the  re-establishment  of  a  Pas- 
tor, and  the  renovation  of  the  whole  Church.  The  decision 
will  have  more  influence,  and  the  operation  will  be  more  ef- 
fectual, as  we  shall  have  present  those  from  Avhom  we  have 
most  to  fear  afterwards.  When  the  business  is  once  settled, 
they  will  be  bound  by  their  own  judgment,  and  prevented 
from  exclaiming  against  its  operation ;  and  also  from  excit- 
ing others  to  disturb  the  established  order.  In  the  mean 
time,  my  brother,  I  entreat  you  for  Christ's  sake,  to  be  of 
good  courage.  The  more  uncertain  our  continuance  is  in 
this  life,  the  less  we  should  be  troubled  about  the  delay  of 
those  events  which  we  earnestly  desir^.     There  are  many 

35 


274  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  betters. 

things  I  know,  which  iiuist  cause  you  trouble  and  anxiety  ; 
but  consider  tiiat  these  are  trials  appointed  of  the  Lord,  to 
support  you  tili  liis  coming.  The  day  before  I  received 
your  letters,  I  wrote  to  the  Senate  of  Geneva,  excusing  my 
delay  in  coming  to  them ;  and  I  doubt  not  but  my  excuse 
has  been  accepted.  Farewell,  my  beloved  brother.  Salute, 
in  my  name,  all  m  ho  are  devoted  to  the  truth.  May  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  strengthen  you  for  all  good  works. 
Ulm,  March  1,  154L 

LETTER  XV. 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

I  have  not  written  you  ?ince  I  arrived,  but  I  requested 
Hiy  friend  Claudius  to  foi'ward  to  you  whatever  he  might 
receive  from  me.  While  waiting  for  a  letter  from  you,  I 
have  been  informed  of  a  severe  calamity  ;  that  Claudius, 
w  horn  I  so  greatly  loved,  is  removed  by  the  plague ; 
that  Lewis,  the  brother  of  Charles,  died  three  days  after- 
wards ;  that  my  family  was  unhappily  scattered ;  that  my 
brother  had  retired  with  Cardus  to  a  neighbouring  village  ; 
that  my  wife  had  taken  refuge  at  her  brother's  house  ;  and 
that  the  youngest  of  the  students  of  Claudius  was  confined 
to  his  bed.  The  bitterness  of  my  grief  is  augmented  Avitli 
anxiety  and  solicitude  for  those  who  survive.  Night  and 
day,  I  imagine  ray  wife  before  me,  deprived  of  her  reason, 
and  calling  for  her  husband.  The  afflictions  of  the  amiable 
and  affectionate  Charles  sorely  distress  me.  In  four  days  he 
was  deprived  of  an  only  brother,  and  of  a  Preceptor  whom 
he  treated  as  a  father.  When  I  think  of  IMalherbe,  my  mind 
calls  to  view  the  excellent  young  men  who  attended  Iiim. 
Under  the  weight  of  all  these  sorrows,  it  is  incredible  how 
much  I  mourn  tlie  death  of  my  dear  Claudius.     Nor  will 


XETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIX.  27,5 

you  be  surprised  at  my  depression,  as  you  know  how  mucli, 
for  these  two  years,  I  have  needed  a  sure  and  faithful  friend, 
to  support  me  under  a  multitude  of  weighty  troubles.  He 
conducted  himself  in  so  faithful  and  so  obligLiig  a  manner, 
that  I  treated  him  witli  all  the  familiarity  of  a  brother. 
When,  in  6uspen:-e  of  mind,  I  lately  deputed  him,  he  solemn- 
ly pledged  himself,  that  he  woukl  go  wherever  I  should  di- 
rect, and  that  he  Avould  never  forsake  me.  "\\'hen  I  consi- 
der how  much  occasion  I  have  for  a  good  counsellour,  al- 
w ays  at  hand,  and  liov,'  rarel}^,  in  this  age,  we  meet  Miih  an 
example  of  so  much  benevolence  and  fidelity,  I  cannot  but 
consider  his  removal  as  a  chastisement  of  the  Lord,  to  call 
my  sins  to  remembrance. 

The  Efliperoiu-  has  been  expecting  the  arrival  of  the 
Princes.  The  two  Electors  of  Bavaria,  and  the  Duke  of 
Brunswick,  the  robber,  the  disgrace  and  the  destroyer  of  his 
country,  were  present  at  the  first  moment.  The  Ambassa- 
dours  arrived  successively,  and  the  following  Princes :  Fred- 
erick the  Palatine,  the  brother  of  the  Elector,  Otho  his  grand- 
son, the  younger  Count  of  Wirtemberg,  the  Landgrave,  Al- 
bert of  Baden,  the  Prince  of  Anhalt,  and  the  Elector  of 
Mentz.  The  Elector  of  JBrandenburg  is  on  his  way.  The 
Emperom-  will  persist  in  his  solicitations  till  they  all  attend. 
The  Elector  of  Saxony  offered  a  good  reason  for  his  absence 
by  his  Ambassadours.  The  two  cities  of  Goslar  and  Bruns- 
wick, which  Henry  vexed  with  depredations  and  robberies, 
under  the  pretext  of  the  imperial  ban,#  the  confederates 
lately  decreed  to  defend  by  their  united  arms. 

The  Emperour,  fearing  the  issue,  has  suspended  his  de- 
crees, and  annulled  his  sentences  against  u^,  until  he  can  take 
cognizance  of  the  whole  business  Ijefore  the  Diet.     And  to 

*  Sometimes  cities  were  put  under  the  imperial  ban,  that  is,  stripped  of 
their  rights  and  privileges;  a  sentence  of  war  or  proscription  being  pro 
claimed  against  thero  till  they  made  satisfaction. 


276  tIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xetters. 

remove  all  obstructions,   he   published  his   edict,  express- 
ly commanding  him  to  restore  all  that  he  had  seized,  and  to 
abstain  from  farther  depredations.    He  promised  obedience, 
but  still  proceeds  as  before,  perhaps  you  will  say,  in  collusion 
with  the  Emperour.     However  this  may  be,  the  Elector  of 
Saxony  cannot  desert  his  allies  in  such  a  pressure  of  danger ; 
he  therefore  remains  on  the  watch,  promptly  to  oppose  the 
attempts  of  Henry.     As  soon  as  the  decrees  were  suspended, 
Henry  was  summoned  to  hear  the  imperial  ban,  by  which 
he  was  stripped  of  his  privileges,  and  exposed  himself  to 
depredation.     In  a  few  days  after,  we  received  the  same 
summons.     The  Emperour,  I  know  not  with  what  sincerity, 
solemnly  declared,  that  he  was  very  highly  displeased  at 
these  things,  and  would  use  his  endeavours  that  it  should 
all  evaporate  in  smoke.     But  this  decree  exposes  us  to  immi- 
nent danger.    Should  they  proclaim  it  to-morrow,  we  cannot 
move  a  foot  from  this  place  but  at  the  hazard  of  our  heads. 
It  escaped  me  to  mention,  that  the  Duke  of  Savoy  has  pre- 
sented himself  here  to  bipd  the  faith  of  the  Empire  to  as- 
sist him  in  the  recover}'  of  his  dominions,  which,  when  he 
held,  would  not  add  to  the  Empire.     He  is  too  late,  there- 
fore.    But  the  King  of  France  has  sent  the  advocate  Ray- 
mond, who  asks  to  be  received  into  the  confidence  and  pro- 
tection of  the  Empire,  for  the  Dutchy  of  Savoy.   Many  most 
splendid  embassies  have  arrived  from  foreign  nations.     Car- 
dinal Contarinus,  the  Legate  of  the  Pope,  on  his  entering 
the  to^vn,  scattered  over  us  so  many  signs  of  the  cross,  that 
his  arm,  I  apprehend,  did  not  recover  in  two  days  from  the 
painful  labour.     The  Bishop  of  Modena  was  sent  as  a  spe- 
cial  Nuncio.     Contarinus  would  have  us  submit  without 
bloodshed,  and  labours  by  all  means  to  complete  the  busi- 
ness without  having  rccom'se  to  arms.     The  Nuncio  is  for 
bloodshed,  and  has  nothing  but  war  in  his  mouth.     Both 
agree  in  cutting  off  all  hopes  of  amicable  discussion.    The 


XETTEES. 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  277 


Venetian  Ambassadour  is  a  man  of  great  pomp  and  parade. 
Tlie  English,  besides  the  resident  Minister,  have  sent  the  Bi- 
shop of  Winchester  with  a  splendid  retinue,  a  man  t(^  ma- 
liciously cunning.  The  Ambassadours  of  Portugal,  and  se- 
veral others,  I  omit  to  name.  The  King  of  France  has  sent 
Velius,  an  importunate  blocldiead.  In  mentioning  the  Princ- 
es, I  passed  over  all  the  dregs  of  the  order  of  Pfaci,  except- 
ing John  Pfaf,  Elector  of  Alenlz.  The  Bishops  assembled 
in  great  numbers, — the  Bishops  of  Ratisbon,  Augsburg, 
Spires,    Bremen,    Saltzburg,    Brescia,    Worms,    Bamberg, 

Hildesheim,  and  some  others. It  would  be  m  vain 

to  conjecture  what  will  be  the  result  of  this  Diet.  The 
minds  of  the  confederates  w-ere  enraged  against  Henry  of 
Brunswick,  who  persecutes  them  with  his  infamous  libels. 
They  petitioned  the  Emperour  to  discard  him  as  a  calum- 
niator, if  they  should  prove  that  he  had  attacked  their  re- 
putation by  the  most  impudent  lies.  I  see  no  method  for 
the  settlement  of  this  matter,  unless  it  is  carried  before  the 
imperial  Chamber  ;*  for  the  Landgrave  has  refused  to  sub- 
mit this  controversy  to  the  decision  of  the  Emperour  as 
Umpire.  Although  this  is  not  the  main  business,  it .  will, 
disturb  the  commencement  of  the  Diet,  and  may  possibly  ex- 
tensively affect  us  in  the  result. 

The  Emperour,  convinced  of  the  present  confusion  of  his 
affairs,  will  not  willingly  excite  new  troubles  for  himself. 
An  expected  attack  from  the  Turks  awakens  his  fears.  With 
the  King  of  France,  he  lias  a  doubtful  peace,  with  the 
hazard  of  war  in  the  issue.  Various  rumours  are  circulating 
about  the  Grand  Turk.  That  Hungarian  Monk,  who,  after 
the  death  of  King  John,  had  taken  the  guardianship  of  the 
Prince,  jealous  of  Ferdinand,  sought  assistance  from  the  Turk  ; 

•  A  tribunal  composed  of  judges  named  partly  by  the  Emperour,  and 
partly  by  the  States,  and  vested  with  the  power  to  decide  finally  all 
differences  ainon^  the  members  of  the  Germanic  body.    Rees'  Cy. 


27S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

he  sent  only  a  few  troops  to  liis  aid,  Avhich  however  attacked 
Pest,  a  city  in  the  possession  of  Ferdinand,  on  the  Danube, 
opposy,e  Buda.  An  army  was  levied  to  force  them  to  raise 
the  seige.  And  now  some  report,  that  the  Turk,  having 
made  great  preparations,  is  ad\'^ncing  with  a  large  army  j 
others  say  that  these  preparations  were  made  to  quell  domes- 
tick  disturbances.  Wc  shall  soon  ascertain  the  object,  for  it 
must  be  something  of  ^\  eight  to  detain  him  from  attacking 
the  Walachians-  These  people  rev  olted  from  those  tyrants 
into  whose  power  they  had  delivered  themselves.  The  Pa- 
latine of  their  own,  the  pupil  of  the  Turk,  was  placed  over 
them.  Wearied  with  his  cruelties,  they  preferred  the  most 
hazardous  attempts  for  deliverance,  to  the  bondage  of  his  do- 
minion. Having  killed  the  Palatine  lact  Avinter,  they  de- 
stroyed  every  thing  wliich  belonged  to  the  Turk  ;  and  hav- 
ing chosen  a  new  leader,  M'hom  they  obliged  to  swear  eternal 
enmity  to  the  Turk,  they  took  the  strongly  fortified  citadel, 
which  had  been  built  with  wonderful  expedition,  near  the 
frontiers  of  Poland.  If  he  leaves  this  insult  unrevengcd,  he 
must  be  occupied  elscAvhere.  I  hope  this  may  be  tlie  case, 
that  while  he  is  healing  his  wounds  we  may  have  some  leisure 
to  collect  our  forces  and  arrange  our  affairs.  The  King  of 
Poland  may  greatly  astsist  his  neighbours,  luiless  his  dominions 
are  molested  by  the  Tartars,  who  the  last  w  inter  made  an  ir- 
ruption, and  ravaging  his  territories,  attempted  to  proceed 
farther.  However  this  may  be,  the  Emperour  wishes  to  put 
the  affairs  of  Germany  into  a  more  composed  state,  until  he 
has  extricated  himself  from  these  perplexities ;  and  will  not 
excite  any  troubles  at  this  time,  unless  driven  to  it  by  the 
pressing  importunity  of  our  enemies.  The  confederates  arc 
desirous  of  having  an  audience  ;  and  if  they  can  hope  fcr  no 
confidence  or  lasting  peace,  until  there  is  an  agreement  in  re- 
ligious matters,  and  the  Churches  established  in  order,  they 
will  urge  the    imperial   Chamber  to  consider  this  subject 


iETTEEs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  27<d 

"tvith  care  and  attention.  They  are  anxious  that  all  dissen- 
sions should  be  ended  a^  ithout  tumult,  and  detesting  war  as 
the  certain  ruin  of  this  country,  they  shew  themselves  the 
decided  enemies  of  all  violent  measures. 

Our  opponents  are  divided  into  three  parties.  The  first 
are  for  proclaiming  war,  and  openly  raved  because  it  was 
not  commenced  the  first  day.  Of  this  class,  the  leaders  are 
the  Elector  of  Mentz,  the  Bavarian  Dukes,  Henry  of  Bruns- 
■wick,'  and  his  brother  the  Bishop  of  Bremen.  The  secomi 
class  wish  to  consult  the  good  of  their  country,  whose  ruin  or 
devastation  they  foresee  will  be  the  calamitous  effect  of  war, 
and  they  of  course  exert  all  their  powers  to  effect  a  peace  of 
any  kind  without  a  settlement  of  religion.  The  third  would 
willingly  admit  a  tolerable  correction  of  ecclesiastical  doe- 
trine  and  discipline,  but  being  either  deficient  in  the  know- 
ledge of  the  truth,  or  in  fortitude  to  avoAv  themselves  abettors 
of  these  opinions,  they  go  forward  apparently  seeking  only  the 
publick  tranquillity.  Among  this  class  are  the  Bishop  of  Co- 
logne and  the  Bishop  of  Augsburg  among  the  Ecclesiasticks ; 
both  of  the  brothers  of  the  Palatine,  Otho,  their  grandson,  and 
perhaps  the  Duke  of  Cleves,  among  the  Princes.  Those  are 
the  small  number  Avho  are  endeavouring  to  excite  tumults, 
and  being  opposed  by  all  the  good,  they  cannot  effect  their 
wishes.  The  mind  of  the  Emperour  is  entirely  inclined  to 
peace,  and  to  obtain  it  he  will  contend  with  all  his  strength, 
putting  off  his  care  for  the  cause  of  religion  to  some  future 
time.  The  confederates  will  not  easily  yield  to  this,  but 
persist  in  demanding  the  reformation  of  the  Church.  We 
hope  to  effect  something. 

The  Pope's  Legate,  with  his  usual  solemnity,  entreats  ils 
not  to  determine  on  violent  measures ;  but  violent  measures,  in 
his  view,  are  any  discussions  about  religion,  or  any  consulta- 
tion concerning  the  reformation  of  the  Church,  held  without 
the  authority  of  his  master.     They  openly  profess  to  encour- 


2SU  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters^ 

age  the  diet  >vhich  we  ask,  and  still  secretly  oppose  its  ap- 
pointment by  great  promises  and  high  threats.  Contarinus 
professes  to  wish  that  we  might  be  subdued  without  blood- 
shed ;  but  if  this  cannot  be  done,  and  the  Bmperour  will  have 
recourse  to  arms,  they  are  prepared  to  furnish  him  with  large 
sums  of  money.  While  at  the  same  time,  if  he  yields  to  any 
measure  disagreeable  to  the  Romish  tyrant,  they  threaten 
him  with  those  thunders  with  ^vhich  they  are  accustom-ed  to 
shake  the  whole  earth.  The  state  of  things  in  Italy  makes 
the  Emperour  anxious  for  his  power.  If  he  can,  he  will 
therefore  take  refuge  there,  in  order,  without  meddling  with 
religion,  to  place  Germany  in  a  more  composed  state,  by  a 
temporary  peace,  or  a  truce  for  a  few  years.  In  this  he  will 
be  opposed.  Thus  you  see  that  affairs  are  in  such  obscurity, 
that  there  is  no  place  for  probable  conjecture.  In  these  per- 
plexities, let  us  invoke  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  beseech 
him  to  gotern,  by  his  wisdom,  this  great  and  weighty  cause, 
so  deeply  interesting  to  his  glory  and  the  safety  of  his 
Church  ;  and  to  manifest,  in  this  crisis,  that  nothing  is  morci 
precious  in  his  sight,  than  that  celestial  wisdom  which  he 
has  revealed  to  us  in  the  Gospel,  and  those  souls  which  he 
has  redeemed  by  the  sacred  blood  of  his  Son.  In  propor- 
tion as  all  things  are  uncertain,  we  must  stir  up  our  minds 
with  the  more  assiduous  zeal  in  our  supplications.  Casting 
our  views  over  the  whole  progress  of  our  affairs,  we  find  that 
the  Lord  has  governed  events  in  a  wonderful  manner,  with- 
out the  aid  or  the  counsels  of  men  ;  and  made  them  prosper- 
ous beyond  all  our  most  sanguine  hopes.  In  these  difficul- 
ties, let  us  rest  entirely  on  that  wisdom  and  power  which  he 
has  so  often  displayed  in  our  protection.  One  circumstance 
terrifies  me,  that  our  friends  are  in  so  great  security ;  with 
this  I  am  struck  with  consternation,  to  see  that  new  offences 
are  daily  committed  as  the  evryihynf^.ix  or  rather  S'va-yetf^tx.  I 
am  not  however  entirely  discouraged.     I  have  lately  received, 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  281 

a  letter  from  Viret,  which  I  answered  briefly,  that  it  was  not 
convenient  to  deliberate  on  that  subject  at  present.  I  wish, 
my  Farel,  that  I  could  depart  from  this  place  to-morrow, 
but  what  shall  I  do  ?  I  am  bound  here,  and  fear  I  shall 
pine  away  with  tediousness  and  disgust.  Farewell,  dear  bro- 
ther. Salute,  in  my  name,  all  the  brethren,  Thomas  and 
Michael,  who  will  be  greatly  afflicted  at  the  contents  of  this 
letter,  and  Cordier,  my  old  Preceptor,  and  the  rest. 
Ratisbon,  March  28,  1541. 

LETTER  XVI. 

Luther  to  Melancthon. 

My  dear  Philip,  I  have  just  received  your  last  letter. — I 
am  grieved  that  your  influence,  so  favourable  to  the  cause  of 
truth,  should  be  in  any  degree  diminished ;  but  my  confi- 
dence rests  on  the  extent  neither  of  your  powers  nor  my  ovra. 
Our  afiairs  are  managed,  not  by  chance,  but  by  the  establish- 
ed counsel  of  the  living  God,  who  does  not  indeed  always 
direct  events  in  a  manner  the  most  agreeable  to  our  wishes. 
The  word  is  progressing,  prayer  is  fervent,  hope  is  animated, 
faith  overcomes,  and  thus  we  are  compelled  to  be  submis- 
sive ;  and  were  we  not  in  the  body,  we  might  take  our  ease, 
and  rejoice  in  festivity,  remembering  the  command  of  Mo- 
ses— Hold  ye  your  peace,  the  Lord  shall  fight  for  you.  For 
although  we  may  be  anxious  to  determine,  to  say  and  do  ev- 
ery thing  with  the  most  vigilant  circumspection  in  another 
manner,  yet  if  the  Lord  does  not  fight,  we  shall  watch  in  vain  ; 
if  he  fights,  we  shall  not  sleep  in  vain.  It  is  certain  that  the 
Lord  fights  for  Israel,  and  is  descending  slowly,  and  with 
measured  step,  from  his  throne,  to  accomplish  his  long  ex- 
pected counsel.  There  are  very  many  signs,  which  impress 
me  with  this  persua^sion.    Things  arc  pafe  in  your  houses, 

36 


2B2  .  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

thanks  to  be  to  God.  Do  not  fear,  be  joyful  and  of  good 
courage,  anxious  for  nothing.  The  Lord  is  at  hand.  Let 
the  Henries,  the  Bishops,  the  Turl^s,  and  Satan  himself  d  o 
what  they  can.  We  are  the  sons  of  the  Icingdom,  who  wor- 
ship and  wait  on  the  Saviour,  who  is  continually  spit  on  and 
crucified  by  these  Henries. 
April  22,  1541. 

LETTER  XVII. 

Calvin  to  I'arel. 

It  is  painful  on  many  accounts  to  be  here ;  but  in  ex- 
tending my  view  over  the  whole  business,  I  shall  never  re- 
pent of  having  come.  You  may  think  that  I  trifle,  but  I  under- 
stand perfectly  well  what  I  say.  And  you  will  know,  whea 
we  have  the  pleasure  of  an  interview,  that  I  have  a  good 
reason  for  my  assertion.  Now  give  attention,  and  collect  as 
much  as  you  can  from  my  narration.* 

Our  advocates  passed  from  the  subject  of  original  sin, 
without  difficulty.  The  disputation  on  free  will  followed, 
and  was  amicably  settled,  according  to  the  opinion  of  Au- 
gustine. This  harmony  was  somewhat  interrupted  by  the 
contention  about  the  meritorious  cause  of  justification.  At 
length,  a  formula  was  presented  ;  and,  after  passing  through 
various  corrections  on  both  sides,  it  was  admitted.  It 
will  doubtless  surprise  you,  that  our  adversaries  made  con- 
cessions so  extensively  favourable  to  our  cause.  I  enclose  a 
copy  of  the  formula.  The  confederates  have  retained  the 
principal  doctrines  of  divine  truth,  and  nothing  was  admit- 
ted into  this  formula  contradictory  to  the  scriptures.  You 
will,  without  question,  desire  a  more  full  explanation,  and  in 
this  respect  we  shall  be  perfectly  agreed.     But  a  moment's 

•  The  first  ffesBi'on  of  the  Diet  waS  held  April  5th,  1541. 


XETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  28$ 

reflection,  upon  the  characters  of  the  persons  with  whom  we 
have  to  transact  this  business,  will  convince  you,  that  we 
have  effected  much  beyond  our  expectations.  In  the  defi- 
nition of  the  Church,  the  advocates  were  agreed  ;*  but  an 
extensive  and  unyielding  controversy  arose  about  tlie  govern- 
ment ;  and  the  article,  by  mutual  consent,  was  omitted.  On 
the  sacraments,  they  had  some  Ararm  contention  ;  but  when 
ours  admitted,  that  the  ceremonies  Avere  a  medium,  they 
proceeded  to  the  Supper.  This  was  an  insurmountable  rock. 
Changing  the  bread  and  wine  into  the  real  body  and  blood  of 
Christ,  replacing  the  host,  carrying  it  about,  and  other  super- 
stitious practices,  were  rejected.  This  was  considered,  by  the 
Romish  advocates,  as  an  insufferable  step.  Bucer,  my  col- 
league, being  wholly  bent  on  unity,  was  incensed  that  these 
controverted  questions  were  moved  so  prematurely.  JMe- 
lancthon  was  inclined  to  the  opinion,  that  all  hope  of  pacifi- 
cation should  be  cut  off,  about  things  so  entirely  corrupt. 
Our  advocates,  having  assembled  us  for  consultation,  demand- 
ed our  individual  opinions.  We  were  unanimous,  in  our 
judgment,  that  transubstantiation  was  a  mere  fiction ;  that 
laying  up  the  host  was  superstitious ;  and  that  the  worship 
paid  to  it  was  idolatry,  or  at  least  very  pernicious,  as  it  was  not 
warranted  by  the  word  of  God.  I  was  requested  to  give 
my  opinion  in  Latin,  and  although  I  understood  not  the 
opinions  of  the  others,  I  freely,  and  without  fear  of  giving 
offence,  condemned  the  doctrine  of  the  local  presence,  and 
declared  that  the  worshipping  of  the  host  was  intolerable. 
Believe  me,  in  such  cases,  determined  and  resolute  minds 
have  a  very  great  influence  in  establishing  the  opinions  of  oth- 
ers.    Cease  not  to  pray  to  God  to  support  us  with  the  spirit 

*  The  advocates  to  manage  the  business  in  the  Diet,  appointed  by  the 
Emperour,  were  for  the  Catholicks,  JuUus  Pflugius,  John  Eckius  and  John 
Gropher — for  the  confederates,  Philip  Melanclhon,  Martin  Bucer  and  Jolm 
Pistorius.    Dupiii,  ICth  cent,  book  9,,  p  16?. 


284  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  LitmRs. 

of  fortitude.  Melancthon  drew  up  a  writing,  which  being 
presented  to  Granville,  was  rejected  with  abusive  language, 
which  our  three  advocates  announced  to  us.  If,  at  the  very 
comraenceuient  of  the  discussion,  we  have  to  encounter  such 
difficulties,  what  an  accumulation  of  them  still  remains  to  in- 
terrupt our  progress,  through  the  examination  of  the  private 
mass,  the  sacrifice  and  communication  of  the  cup  ?  What 
obstacles  Mill  lie  across  our  way  when  we  come  to  the  open 
profession  of  the  real  presence  ?  What  tumults  will  then  be 
raised  ?  Your  letters  were  delivered  to  me  by  Plumarius,  a 
month  after  they  were  Ttritten.  I  expect  to  receive  others 
shortly.  The  safety  of  the  brethren  is  in  my  view  a  matter 
of  great  anxiety,  but  the  obstacles  I  have  mentioned  still 
prevent  oar  success.  Maurus  has  been  commissioned  on 
that  business,  and  is  still  labouring  to  unloose  that  knot. 
We  have  increased  reason  to  animate  our  hopes.  The  Land- 
grave, being  disappointed  in  his  sanguine  expectations  of 
success,  in  obtaining  assistance  from  others,  will  now  turn  his 
attention  to  us.  If  this  takes  place,  he  will  most  resolutely  es- 
pouse our  cause  ;  and  Maurus,  being  a  pious  and  determin- 
ed man,  will  exert  his  whole  strength  in  our  favour.  He 
has  hitherto  behaved  himself  with  fidelity.  Nothing,  how- 
ever, has  yet  been  obtained,  but  that  our  brethren  should, 
upon  acquitting  themselves  by  oath  before  the  Bishop,  be  per- 
mitted to  return  home  unmolested.  N is  very  troublesome 

to  us.     May  the  Lord  remove  him,  or  amend  him.     Salute  the 
brethren.    Philip  and  Bucer  salute  you.     On  the  day  before 
yesterday,  when  we  dined  with  the  Landgrave,  friendly  men- 
tion was  made  of  you. 
Ratisbon,  May  11,  1541. 


i 


j^EiTBns.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  iS5 

LETTER  XVIIL 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

The  messenger  having  delayed  his  departure  a  day  lon^ 
ger  than  I  expected,  I  write  again,  to  mention  some 
things  which  have  taken  place,  and  wliich  may  be  interest- 
ing to  you.  Granville,  although  he  had  destroyed  by  his 
answer  all  hope  of  agreement,  when  he  heard  of  the  apo- 
plexy of  Eckius,  whose  importunity  he  perhaps  supposed 
had  prevented  the  agreement,  commanded  that  Pistorius 
should  also  be  excluded,  and  that  the  other  four  should  pro- 
ceed in  their  consultations  Avithout  witnesses.  As  far  as  I 
could  understand,  our  advocates  might  have  easily  accom- 
plished the  business,  if  we  would  have  been  contented  to  be 
half  Christians.  Philip  and  Bucer  framed  an  ambiguous  and 
deceptive  confession  concerning  transubstantiation,  endea- 
vouring, as  far  as  passible,  to  satisfy  their  adversaries,  Avithout 
yielding  any  thing.  I  am  not  pleased  with  this  metliod  of 
proceeding.  They  however  have  a  motive  which  guides 
them.  They  indulge  the  hope  that  the  things  \\  ill  manifest 
themselves,  whenever  there  shall  be  an  opening  for  the  true 
doctrines.  They  prefer  to  pass  over  present  diihculties,  re- 
gardless of  the  consequences  of  that  llexi])Ie  mode  of  expres- 
sion. But  in  my  opinion,  this  will  be  very  injurious  to  the 
cause.  I  am  persuaded,  however,  that  they  have  the  best 
interests  of  religion  at  heart,  and  are  extremely  anxious  to 
advance  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Oor  advocates  are  decided 
and  prompt  to  every  thing ;  but  in  their  intercourse  with 
our  opponents  they  are  too  temporizing.  It  grieves  me,  that 
Bucer  is  exciting  against  himself  the  displeasure  of  so  many 
persons.  Being  conscious  of  his  own  integrity,  he  expects 
more  eecuritv  from  it  than  circumstances  will  warrant.     Wt: 


S86  LIFE  or  CALVIN.  i.etters. 

should  not  be  so  satisfied  m  ith  our  purity  of  conscience  as  to 
throw  off  all  regard  to  the  opinions  of  our  Ijrethren.  But 
while  I  lament  these  things  a\  ith  you,  my  Farel,  suffer  thfem, 
by  no  means,  to  escape  from  you.  One  thing,  however, 
among  all  these  evils,  is  very  pleasant  to  me,  that  Brentius 
surpasses  others  in  his  opposition  to  the  inipanated  Gody*-  as 
he  calls  it.  I  ^vill  say  no  more,  that  you  may  be  the  more 
anxious  at  my  return  to  see  me.  Farewell,  my  dear  brother. 
Freithus,  Musculus  and  Brentius,  and  all  our  friends,  salute 
you.  Eckius,  it  is  said,  is  convalescing.  The  world  does  not 
yet  merit  deliverance  from  that  ferocious  man. 
FtATisBON,  May  12,  154L 

LETTER  XIX. 

Galvin  to  Farel. 
Since  the  time  of  our  first  difference  on  the  subject 


of  the  Eucharist,  we  have  never  been  able  to  agree  upon  any 
question.  You  know  that  our  opinion  was  unanimous,  that 
transubstantiation  was  a  mei*e  fiction,  at  war  with  the  Avord  of 
of  God,  and  with  the  very  nature  of  a  sacrament ;  that  wor- 
shipping the  host,  as  being  the  real  body  and  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,  is  idolatry,  or  something  very  dangerous ;  and  that 
preserving  it  is  mere  supeistition.  Our  three  advocates  per- 
sisting in  this  opinion,  Granville  inveighed  bitterly  against 
Philip,  supposing  that  if  liC  could  bring  him  to  give  up  these 
points,  lie  should  have  no  dilHcuIty  with  the  others.  But  as 
Melancf  lion  remained  inOcxlble,  he  directed  them  to  proceed 
to  other  questions.     The  .^larquis  of  Brandenburg,  with  the 

*  Itnpanatiim  Dcmn,  an  expi-ession  sigiiifying  the  opinion  of  the  Lu- 
therans, concerning  the  Eucharist,  that  the  body  and  blood  oC  Clmst 
are  really  in,  with  or  uvder  the  lirpadandxinneaheT  consecration. 


LExxERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  2S7 

knowledge  of  the  Emperour,  had  privately  sent  one  of  the 
Princes  of  Anhalt,  Arabassadour  to  Luther,  hoping  to  obtain, 
on  account  of  former  disputes,  something  more  favourable  to 
the  Papists,  than  what  we  were  all  determined  to  grant.  The 
result  of  this  embassy  I  have  not  learned ;  I  presume  however 
that  Luther's  answer  is  not  unfavourable  to  us.  There  re- 
main yet  three  questions  concerning  the  Eucharist  to  pass  un- 
der discussion,  the  sacrifice  of  the  mass,  private  masses,  and 
the  distribution  of  both  elements.  The  adversaries,  having 
consented  to  abolish  the  publick  sale  and  multitude  of  masses, 
retained  only  one  daily  mass  in  each  Church.  By  the  same 
concession  it  was  agreed,  that  the  mass  should  not  be  exposed 
except  in  a  public  meeting  ;  and  that  exhortation  should  be 
given  at  the  communion.  They  consented  that  the  partici- 
pation of  the  cup  should  be  free  to  every  one  that  requested 
it.  That  the  mass  was  a  sacrifice  they  attempted  to  show 
by  sophistical  expositions,  and  you  may  conjecture  very  well 
from  whence  they  collected  them.  Those  things  were  all  re- 
jected by  our  advocates ;  and  Philip  presented  some  articles 
on  the  other  side  of  the  question.  They  then  proceeded  to 
the  confession  of  sins,  on  which  point  our  adversaries  disco- 
vered more  moderation.  They  did  not  require  a  scrupulous 
enumeration  of  oiiences,  but  insisted  upon  the  necessity  of  con- 
fession and  absolution.  Our  advocates  presented  a  formula 
iti  opposition  to  their  opinions.  The  invocation  of  saints, 
the  primacy  of  the  Pope,  and  the  authority  of  the  Church, 
being  brought  up  at  once  they  could  not  agree.  All  our  ar- 
ticles were  then  added  to  the  book  of  Conrnrd.#  The  Em- 
perour, in  the  most  liberal  and  pleasant  manner,  returned  his 
thanks  to  the  collocutors,  for  having  faithfully  ptrforraed 
their  allotted  duty.     Charles  then  referred  the  result  of  tlic 

*  The  book  of  Concord  was,  by  the  Emperour's  order,  presented  to 
the  advocates  by  Granville,  as  the  ground  of  unien:  the  Protestant  ar- 
ticles and  exceptions  were  added  lo  it 


288  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

deliberations  to  the  Imperial  Chamber  of  the  German  States. 
Sut  as  nothing  could  be  settled  without  the  book  of  Concord, 
it  was  brouglit  before  that  Court  with  all  the  articles  which 
had  been  added.  The  Emperour  soon  repented  of  this  sub- 
mission of  the  business  to  the  heads  of  the  Empire.  The 
Imperial  Chamber  however  insisted,  that  what  had  been  once 
decreed  should  not  be  revoked.  While  this  business  was 
proceeding,  the  Senate  were  ordered  to  give  audience  to  the 
Ambassadours  of  Hungary  and  Austria,  avIio  humbly  suppli- 
cated that  assistance  should  be  afforded  them.  The  Empe- 
rour insisted  also,  that  the  Imperial  Chamber  should  Jay  aside 
the  consultation  about  religion,  and  turn  their  attention  to 
tlie  objects  of  this  petition.  As  soon  as  I  saw  this  truce  was 
agreed  to  by  the  Ordines,  I  seized  the  opportunity  and  made 
my  escape. — I  have  given  you  an  abridgment  of  the  history  of 
the  transactions  of  the  Diet ;  the  details  and  more  secret  circum- 
stances I  will  relate  to  you  at  some  future  interview.  I  wish 
you  had  succeeded  in  obtaining  Bucer's  return.  As  to  what  ap- 
pertains to  the  brethren  who  are  suffering  for  the  Gospel,  I 
have  not  effected  what  I  wished.  The  cause  dejnanded  an 
embassy  of  some  weight  which  the  times,  that  is,  the  vicious 
inclinations  of  men,  will  not  grant.  Farewell,  ray  dearest 
brother. — The  Lord  preserve  you  all. 
Strasburc,  July  3541. 

LETTER  XX. 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

I  am  retained  here  as  you  wislicd ;  wJiich  may  God  grant 
to  be  for  his  glory.  Viret  still  contmues  with  me,  nor  AviJl  I 
suffer  him  by  any  means  to  be  torn  from  me.  It  is  your 
duty,  and  that  of  all  the  brethren,  to  afford  me  assistance, 
unless  you  \vish  me  to  be  tomicnted  and  miserable,  without 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  289 

doing  any  good  to  the  cause.  I  reported  the  labours  of  my 
office  to  the  Senate,  and  assured  them  of  the  impossibiUty 
of  settling  the  Church  on  any  permanent  foundation,  unless 
a  system  of  discipline  was  adopted,  such  as  is  prescribed  by 
the  word  of  God,  and  was  observed  by  the  ancient  Church. 
I  treated  upon  certain  points,  which  might  sufficiently  ex- 
plain my  wishes.  And  without  entering  upon  the  A\hole 
ground,  I  requested  them  to  appoint  some  members  who 
might  confer  with  us  on  the  subject.  They  chose  a  com- 
mittee of  six.  Articles  concerning  the  whole  polity  of  the 
Church  will  be  drawn  up,  which  we  shall  lay  before  the  Senate. 
Our  three  colleagues  pretend  that  they  will  consent  to  what- 
ever Viret  and  myself  shall  judge  expedient.  Something 
will  be  effected.  We  are  anxious  to  hear  how  matters  pro- 
gTess  in  your  Church.  We  hope,  through  the  authority  of 
the  Bernese  and  the  Biellese,  that  the  commotions  are  at 
least  allayed,  if  not  terminated.  When  fighting  against  the 
Devil,  under  the  banner  of  Christ,  he  who  armed  and  di- 
rected you  to  the  battle,  will  give  you  the  victory.  But  a 
good  cause  requires  a  good  defender ;  take  heed,  therefore, 
and  give  diligence,  that  those  qualifications  may  be  found  in 
you  which  command  the  approbation  of  good  men.  We  do 
not  exhort  you  to  preserve  a  pure  and  undefiled  conscience : 
of  this  we  do  not  doubt.  But  this  we  desire,  that  you  would 
be  as  accommodating  to  the  people,  as  your  duty  will  allow. 
There  are,  you  know,  two  kinds  of  popularity.  The  one  is, 
when  we  obtain  approbation,  by  our  ambition  and  desire  of 
pleasing ;  the  other,  when  by  moderation  and  equity,  we  en- 
tice the  minds  of  others  to  yield  themselves  to  us  with  a  plea- 
sant docility.  Pardon  us,  if  we  use  too  much  freedom  with 
you,  for  on  this  point,  we  perceive  that  you  do  not  fully 
satisfy  the  virtuous.  If  in  nothing  else,  you  transgress  in 
this,  that  you  do  not  satisfy  those  to  whom  the  Lord  has 
maide  you  a  debtor.     You  know  how  much  we  respect,  how 

37 


^90  Ll^'E  OF  CALA'IN.  letters, 

iBuch  we  love  you.  This  love  and  this  respect  impel  us  to 
censure  you  with  this  exact  and  rigid  severity.  We  ardent- 
ly desire,  that  those  excellent  gifts,  which  the  Lord  has  be- 
stowed upon  you,  may  not  be  sullied  by  a  single  blemish, 
which  may  afford  a  handle  to  the  carpings  of  malevolence, 
to  injure  your  influence.  I  have  written  these  things  by  the 
advice  of  Yiret,  and  for  this  reason  have  used  the  plural 
•lumber.  Fare^v  ell,  deai'est  and  excellent  brother. 
Geneva,  16th  Sept.  1541. 

FETTER  XXI. 

Calvin  to  Fakel. 

You  Lave  no  reason  to  feel  very  solicitous  about  my  expos- 
tulation, for  I  had  more  of  a  disposition  to  rally  you  than  to 
complain.  I  know  very  well,  that  you  will  not  have  forgot- 
ten me,  although  you  should  omit,  a  thousand  times,  to  meh- 
tioii  me  in  your  letters.  On  this  subject  mate  yourself  easy. 
— I  should  be  pleased  if  a  reconciliation  with  those  who  vex 
and  weary  you  and  your  Church  was  as  easy. 

Although,  as  you  say,  we  must  not  dread  a  war  with  the 
world  and  the  flesh,  but  rather  seek  it,  if  we  would 
serve  Christ ;  yet  it  is  desirable,  that  all  those  who  carry 
<Hi  the  war  with  him,  should  surrender  themselves  in  wil- 
ling obedience,  lest  being  left  to  themselves  they  should  be 
destroyed  by  the  strength  and  vengeance  of  his  arm.  Since 
then  the  Lord  will  employ  us  in  his  warfare,  and  not  permit 
us  to  remain  idle,  let  us  fight  with  fortitude  and  persevering 
courage,  but  with  those  arms  alone,  which  he  has  provided 
for  our  defence.  Under  his  benign  protection,  victory  will 
always  be  in  our  power.  That  the  Lord's  Supper  has  been 
celebrated  Mith  those  special  admonitions,  which  you  men- 
tion, will,  I  trust,  present  a  favourable  ground,  for  renovn- 


LETTEEs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  291 

ting  the  Church,  I  understand  that  your  present  modera- 
tion has  assuaged  the  minds  of  some,  and  subdued  others. 
Under  this  favourable  influence,  omit  nothing  Mhich  may,  in 
any  degree,  have  a  tendency  to  heal  the  wound.  It  will  be 
a  glorious  triumph,  if  Satan  and  his  principal  offieers,  march- 
ing in  front  of  his  standard,  should  he  deserted  by  his  whole 
army. 

As  to  our  own  affairs,  I  find  abundantly  true,  what  you 
write  concerning  the  inequality  of  our  yoke ;  but  I  bear 
what  I  cannot  remove.  If  Viret  should  be  taken  from  me,  I 
must  wholly  despair.  Alone,  I  cannot  preserve  the  safety  of 
this  Church.  It  is  therefore  just,  that  you  and  others  should 
pardon  me,  if  I  remove  those  causes  which  threaten  with  im- 
pending danger  my  onu  security  and  success,  by  depriving 
me  of  Viret.*  His  continuance  is  of  more  consequence  to  us 
than  you  apprehend.  The  common  people,  however,  treat 
us  very  obsequiously,  in  their  steady  attendance  on  divine 
service.  Their  external  deportment  is  regular,  but  many 
vices  still  infest  the  heart  and  affect  the  head,  which,  if  not 
gradually  rooted  out,  I  fear  will  break  forth  in  dangerous 
sores,  upon  the  body.  You  must  be  perfectly  aware,  that 
we  cannot  apply  a  remedy  to  these  intestine  and  hidden  evils 
without  the  greatest  difficulty.  You  well  know  too  the  cha- 
racter of  my  fellow  soldiers  in  this  w  arfare,  if  Viret  is  remov- 
ed.  ^If  you  disagree  with  me  I  will  follow  your  advice, 

nor  will  I  shrink  from  any  of  those  duties  which  you  impose 
upon  me.  While  we  can  avail  any  thing,  it  is  not  for  you  to 
complain  that  you cun  do  nothing,  for  you  know  that  we  are 
wholly  yours.     Farewell,  best  and  beloved  brother.     Affec- 

*  Viret,  on  the  application  of  the  Genevese  Church,  went,  by  the 
consent  of  the  Church  at  Lausanne,  to  supply  them  for  six  monllis, 
while  Calvin  was  at  the  Diet  of  Ralisbon.  He  tarried  some  time  af- 
ter Calvin  returned  to  Geneva,  but  his  own  Cliurch  were  no\r  anxious 
for  his  return  to  them. 


292  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

tionateJy  sahrte  all,  especially  Cordier,  whose  letter  I  will  soon 
answer.     May  the  whole  Church  prosper. 
Geneva,  Nov.  11th,  1541. 

LETTER  XXII. 

Calvin  to  Farel, 

I  Mas  prepared  to  detail  to  you  at  large  the  state  of  our 
affairs  ;  but  when  I  Avas  informed  that  our  good  father  Capi- 
io,  of  sacred  memory,  was  taken  from  us,  and  that  Bucer  was 
sick  with  the  plague,  my  mind  Avas  so  shocked  that  I  can  now 
only  weep.  You  know  it  was  always  resolved,  that  if  I  re- 
turned to  Geneva,  you  should  return  with  me ;  that  our 
united  ministry  might  be  restored.  Your  troubles,  at  that 
time,  prevented  you  from  leaving  Neufchatel.  It  is  now, 
howe\^er,  the  interest  of  our  common  ministry,  and  of  the 
whole  Church,  that  you  should  come  to  this  city.  You  must 
do  it,  if  for  no  other  reason  but  to  fulfil  your  promise  to  me. 
Your  pretext  for  declining,  that  you  was  banished  by  the 
jjeople  and  could  not  be  recalled  by  the  Senate,  displeases 
me.  You  call  that  seditious  faction  of  abandoned  men  the 
people  ;  and  is  it  not  euough  that  the  people  themselves,  by 
their  decree,  pronounced  your  banishment  unjust?  It  is 
certain,  that  most  of  those  who  banished  you  have  either  suf- 
fered an  ignominious  death,  or  have  fled  from  the  city ;  and 
the  rest  are  either  ashamed  to  say  any  thing,  or  openly  con- 
fess their  fault.  Was  not  that  a  decree  of  the  people,  by 
Avhich  they  unanimously  confessed  our  innocence  ? — It  was 
my  intention  on  entering  the  city,  to  have  asserted  that  wc 
w  ere  innocent ;  and  although  I  do  not  excel  in  oratory,  to 
have  defended  our  cause.  But  when  the  people  came  to 
meet  mc,  condemning  themselves,  and  confessing  their  fault, 
I  perceived  tluit  it  Avould  be  useless,  ungenerou?  and  inhu- 


xETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  293- 

inan,  as  I  should  only  be  insulting  our  prostrate  enemies,  con- 
deraned  of  God,  of  men,  and  of  their  own  conscience.  Will 
you  continue  to  urge  your  scruples  about  the  people's  recall, 
when  you  are  told,  that  when  they  decreed,  that  those  who 
were  banished  should  be  recalled,  the  question  was  put  in 
this  form,  Do  you  not  confess  that  injustice  ivas  done  to  Farel 
and  his  associates?  Will  you  require  more  than  this,  that 
the  people  condemn  themselves  and  acquit  you  ?  It  was  ad- 
ded, Will  ye,  that  Farel  and  his  associates,  &c.  ?  Shall  I  not 
ascribe  (forgive  me  my  brother  if  I  err)  your  scrupulous  dif- 
ficulties to  raoroseness,  rather  than  sound  judgment  ?  I  know 
your  sincerity-T-how  little  you  regard  yourself;  but  others, 
less  acquainted  with  you,  may  suspect  your  motives,  and 
make  a  handle  of  it  for  detraction.  I  do  not  pretend,  that 
the  Church  has  made  satisfaction,  proportioned  to  its  offence. 
But  if  you  saw  how  tender  every  thing  is  here,  you  would 
yourself  agree  to  press  this  matter  no  farther  at  present.  I 
entreat  you,  my  Farel,  to  yield  to  the  counsel  of  those  who 
are  prudently  solicitous  for  the  honour  of  your  ministry. 
Give  up,  if  npt  to  our  judgment,  at  least  to  the  entreaties  of 
your  friends.  Farewell,  best  and  beloved  brother. 
Geneva  Nov.  29,  1541. 

LETTER  XXIII. 

The  Epistle  of  the  illustrious  Protestant  PniKrES  and 
States  of  the  Empire,  to  Francis  I.  King  of  France. 

We  wish  you  health  and  prosperity,  most  serene  and  most 
Christian  King.  Your  Royal  Majesty  has  ah\  ays  presented  us 
with  those  testimonies  of  good  will,  which  forcilily  convince 
us,  that  you  indulge  the  best  and  most  friendly  disposition 
towards  us.  W^e  have  indeed  experienced,  that  our  petitions 
were  sometimes  of  no  small  consideration  ^vith  your  Rovaf 


29i  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

Highness.  Therefore  we  are  now  induced  to  address  and  inter- 
cede with  3  our  Majesty  for  the  safety  of  certain  individuals, 
«ome  of  whom  are  held  captives  in  different  parts  of  your  king- 
(Jom,  particularly  at  Grenoble,  and  other  cities  of  that  pro- 
vince ;  others  of  thera,  with  their  little  children,  miserably 
abandoning  their  houses,  have  been  compelled  to  escape  into 
caverns,  only  because  they  believe  the  same  things,  concern- 
ing the  Christian  doctrines,  which  our  Churches  profess.  We 
are  afflicted  with  the  sevcTCst  grief,  because  it  cannot  be  deni- 
ed, but  that  many  old  abuses  still  exist  in  the  Churches ;  and 
yet  a  bitterness  of  spirit  so  rages  every  where,  that  the  most 
salutary  opinions  are  crushed,  and  not  only  private  persons 
but  Avliole  nations  are  exposed  to  danger.  While  these  sup- 
plications are  presented  to  your  Royal  Highness,  will  you 
please  to  consider,  that  not  only  we,  but  the  Church  of 
Christ  herself  lies  bewailing  at  the  feet  of  the  most  power- 
ful Kings,  and  entreats  and  implores  assistance,  that  the 
light  of  the  rising  Gospel  may  not  be  extinguished,  but  that 
it  may  be  spared  to  those  humble  persons  who  are  the  mem- 
bers of  Christ.  We  knoAv  that  those  who  are  hated  for  their 
pious  doctrines,  are  sometimes  severely  punished  for  other 
crimes,  and  accused  of  sedition.  But  we  have  seen  the  con- 
fession of  faith,  offered  by  these  persecuted  persons  to  the 
court  of  Grenoble,  and  their  defence,  purging  themselves  of 
those  crimes  which  have  been  laid  to  their  charge.  Where- 
fore we  thought  it  our  duty  to  be  more  earnest  in  their  be- 
1ml f,  l)ecause  tlieir  confession  of  doctrine  is  pious,  and  doubt- 
less the  pure  opinion  of  the  Catholick  Church  of  Christ,  which 
we  also  profess.  We  pray,  therefore,  that  your  Royal  High- 
ness would  spare  the  lives  of  these,  and  of  all  others  who 
may  be  imprisoned  and  endangered  from  the  same  cause,  and 
would  dismiss  them  unpunished  and  in  safety.  We  hear,  in- 
deed, that  pardon  has  been  offered  to  some,  on  condition 
that  th'-v  v'iU  dlmw)  the  confession  of  that  doctrine  which 


lETiERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  295 

they  believe  to  be  according  to  the  word  of  God  i  but  since 
this  would  be  to  them  more  painful  than  death  itself,  we 
beseech  your  Royal  Highness,  for  tlic  honour  of  God,  to  mi- 
tigate that  condition  of  their  deliverance.  Your  Majesty  is 
by  no  means  ignorant,  that  it  is  a  heinous  crime  to  approve 
of  that  in  religion  'svhich  is  against  one's  own  conscience. 
This  clemency  will  be  pleasing  to  God,  and  will  have  a  di- 
vine reward ;  as  the  Psalmist  says,  Blessed  is  he  that  consi- 
dereth  the  poor  and  needy  ;  the  Lord  nill  deliver  him  in  the 
time  of  trouble.  Wherefore  we  beseech  your  Royal  Majesty, 
with  renewed  earnestness,  to  shew  this  clemency  towards 
those  unfortunate  persons,  Avherever  they  may  be.  It  will  be 
to  us,  and  to  all  who  profess  the  same  religion,  a  distinguished 
favour  ;  and  especially  when  it  is  understood,  tliat  they  were 
liberated  through  our  intercession  ;  and  your  Royal  Dignity 
will  obtain,  among  all  good  men,  the  distinguished  praise  of 
clemency  and  moderation.  If  this  our  request  should  be 
granted,  of  ^vhich  we  have  some  good  hope,  we  will  in  our 
turn  endeavour  to  testify  our  remembrance  and  gi-atitudc  by 
all  the  kind  offices  in  our  power.  We  wish  that  God  may 
long  preserve  your  excellent  JMajesty  in  health  and  prospe- 
rity. 

Given  at  Ratisbon,  this  23d  of  IMay,  in  the  year  of  the 
Christian  Salvation  1541. 

The  Princes,  Ambass ADO URs,  States  and  OrO 
DERs,  who  have  agreed  to  the  Augsburg  Con-  /- 
fcssion,  and  now  a^embled  at  Ratisbon.  ) 

LETTER  XXIV. 

Calvin  to  Farel. 

Tlie  numerous  deaths,  which  have   occurred  this   year 
among  my  pious  friends,  I  hope  will  iirstnir.t  me  in  the  cj»p- 


290  Lil'E  OF  CALVliS".  xktters. 

tinessofthis  present  life;  and  impress  me,  hi  the  midst  of 
my  sorrow,  with  holy  meditations  concerning  my  own  mor- 
tality. Poralis,  the  first  Syndick  of  this  city,  has  departed 
to  be  with  the  Lord.  His  death,  as  was  to  be  expected,  is 
severely  felt,  and  deeply  lamented  by  us.  His  dying  testi- 
mony was  a  source  of  consolation,  while  the  very  circum- 
stance of  his  piety  increased  our  grief ;  as  we  felt  his  loss  to 
be,  on  that  account,  a  more  extensive  deprivation.  The 
day  after  he  fell  sick,  Yiret  and  mj^self  were  with  him,  and 
he  informed  us  that  he  wtis  in  danger  of  losing  his  life  ;  for 
the  disease  with  which  he  was  afflicted  was  fatal  to  his  fa- 
mily. We  conversed  on  a  variety  of  subjects,  in  which  he 
interested  himself  with  as  nmch  familiarity  as  if  in  usual 
Iiealth.  The  two  following  days,  his  complaint  increased, 
but  in  no  period  of  his  life,  had  he  discovered  more  strength 
of  mind,  or  greater  powers  of  eloquence,  than  at  this  time, 
while  he  addressed  those  who  visited  him  with  some  excel- 
lent exhortations,  adapted  to  the  character  and  circumstances 
of  each  individual.  He  now  appeared  to  be  much  better, 
and  we  entertained  hopeTs  of  his  recovery.  But  after  three 
days,  the  disease  renewed  its  severity,  and  he  was  evidently 
in  great  dajiger ;  but  as  his  body  was  oppressed,  his  mind 
grev/  more  enlarged  and  animated.  I  pass  the  intermediate 
time,  to  the  day  on  which  he  died.  Viret  and  myself  visit- 
ed him  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning.  I  said  a  few 
things  concerning  the  cross,  the  grace  of  Clirist  and  the  hope 
of  eternal  life,  for  we  Avould  not  fatigue  hhn  with  a  long- 
discourse.  He  answered,  that  he  knew  how  to  accept  the 
messenger  of  God  in  a  proper  manner,  and  of  what  impor- 
tance the  ministry  of  Christ  was  in  confirming  the  conscienc- 
es of  believers.  He  tlien  discoursed  upon  the  ministry  and 
its  use  so  powerfully,  that  we  were  both  struck  witJi  asto- 
nishment, and  as  often  as  I  reflect  upon  it,  I  am  still  con- 
fOinided  ;  for  he  appeared  to  be  delivering  »mo  of  our  dis- 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  2^ 

courses  improved  by  his  own  deep  and  long  meditations. 
He  concluded  by  saying,  that  he  believed  the   remission  of 
sins,  of  which  we  assured  him,  from  the  promise  of  Christ, 
with  as  much  confidence  as  though  an  Angel  should  appear 
to  him  from  Heaven.     He  then  enlarged  upon  the  harmony 
of  the  members  of  the  Church,  which  he  commended  with 
the  highest  eulogy ;  testifying  that  his  best  consolations,  in 
the  warfare  of  death,  were  drawn  from  his  being  establish- 
ed so  fully  in  that  unity.     He  had,  a  little  time  before,  call- 
ed for  some  of  our  colleagues,  with  whom  he  became  recon- 
ciled, lest  by  persisting  in  this  disagreement,  others  might 
make  a  bad  use  of  his  example.     He  observed  to  us,  "  As 
the  welfare  of  the  Church  obliges  yeu  to  bear  with  them  as 
brethren,  why  should  I  not,  for  the  same  reason,  acknow- 
ledge them  as  Pastors  ?"     He  admonished  them  with  seri- 
ousness,   and  called  up  to  their  remembrance  the    sins  of 
which  they  had  been  guilty.     But  I  come  to  his  last  words. 
Turning  to  those  who  were  present,  he  exhorted  them,  that 
they  should   hold  in  high    estimation  the   communion   of 
the  Church,  and  advised  those  who  were  still  addicted  to 
superstitious  ceremonies  and  festivals,  to  lay  aside  their  ob- 
stinacy, and  unite  with  us  in  the  worsliip  of  God ;  for  we 
saw  better,  and  judged  more  perfectly  than  they  could  in 
these  matters.    He  confessed,  that  he  himself  had  been  obsti- 
nate in  these  things,  but  at  last  his  eyes  were  opened  to  see 
the  baneful  effects  of  contention.     After  this,  he  summed  up 
his  faith  in  a  short,  solemn  and  clear  confession.     He  then 
exhorted  Viret  and  myself  to  constancy  in  all  the  parts  of 
our   official  duty,  and,   as  in  a  prophet ick  vision,  he  spoke 
of  our  future  difficulties.    Concerning  the  interests  of  the  Re- 
publick,  his  counsel  v/as  judiciously  directed  to  whatever  re- 
lated to  its  prosperity.    He  urged  the  most  diligent  atten- 
tion to  be  given,  to  effect  a  reconciliation  with  the  allied  ci- 
ties ;  and  that  the  clamours  of  some  turbulent  people  should 


298  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i^etteks, 

not  discourage  us  iu  our  eiTorts.  After  addressing  a  few 
Words  to  him,  we  prayed  with  him  and  retired.  About  two 
in  the  afternoon,  my  wife  visited  him,  m  hen  he  exhorted  her 
to  be  of  good  courage,  Avhatever  might  happen,  and  to  con- 
sider that  she  was  led  to  this  city  not  rashly,  but  by  the 
wonderful  wisdom  of  God,  to  assist  in  spreading  the  Gos- 
pel. He  soon  after  said,  that  his  voice  began  to  fail  him  ; 
that  however  that  might  fail  him,  he  should  retain  in  his 
mind,  and  die  in  the  confession  of  faith  that  he  had  made. 
He  recited  the  song  of  Simeon,  and  applied  it  to  himself, 
saying,  "  I  have  seen  and  embraced  tliy  salvation" ;  and 
then  composed  himself  to  rest.  From  this  time  he  was  de- 
prived of  his  voice,  but  continued  to  indicate  by  signs,  that 
he  had  lost  nothing  of  the  vigour  of  his  mind.  About  four 
in  the  afternoon,  I  went  witli  the  Syndicks  to  visit  him.  As 
he  sometimes  attempted  to  speak,  and  \vas  unable,  I  request- 
ed him  not  to  fatigue  himself,  adding  that  we  were  abun- 
dantly satisfied  ^vith  his  confession.  I  then  began  to  speak 
as  well  as  I  could.  He  heard  with  a  composed  and  tran- 
quil mind.  We  had  scarcely  left  him,  when  he  rendered 
up  his  pious  soul  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  This  narration 
will  be  scarcely  credible  to  you,  when  you  consider  the  na- 
ture of  the  man ;  but  remember  that  he  was  endowed  en- 
tirely with  a  new  spirit. 

We  are  now  deeply  occupied  in  choosing  new  colleagues, 
and  our  trouble  is  increased,  as  those  \\  horn  we  suppose  fit 
for  the  place,  upon  trial,  disappoint  our  expectations.  We 
^v  ill  inform  you  of  our  progress,  as  your  advice  may  be  use- 
ful to  us.     Farewell. 

June  16,  1»43. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  W^ 

LETTER  XXV. 

Calvin  to  the  Members  of  the  Church  of  IMontbeillaru. 
(Abridged.) 

Your  two  brethren  having  stated  to  me  the  points  of 
doubt  or  controversy  which  exist  among  you,  I  Ariil  simply 
and  briefly  expose  to  you  what  I  should  do,  were  I  in  your 
situation.  That  those  persons,  who  wish  to  partake  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  should  present  themselves  to  the  ^Minister  for 
a  previous  examination,  is  a  matter  so  clear  to  me,  that  I 
think  every  one  should  do  it  of  choice,  as  a  means  of  sup- 
porting the  purity  and  discipline  of  the  Church.  But  to 
avoid  all  difficulty,  some  limits  should  be  prescribed,  and  the 
method  of  proceeding  defined.  1.  Let  it  be  in  a  degree  a 
private  examination,  to  teach  the  ignorant  in  a  familiar  way. 
2.  Let  it  be  an  opportunity  for  advising  and  reproving  those 
who  are  wanting  in  their  duty.  3.  Let  the  JMinister  en- 
deavour to  strengthen  the  weak  in  faith,  and  encourage  those 
who  are  of  a  tender  conscience.  Concerning  the  .Supper,  it 
is  my  opinion,  that  we  should  adopt  the  custom  of  admi- 
nistering it  to  the  sick,  when  circumstances  will  admit  it  to 
be  done  Avith  propriety ;  and  also  to  criminals  under  sen- 
tence of  death,  when  they  request  it,  and  are  sufficiently 
qualified  ;  but  by  this  rule,  that  it  be  a  true  communion, — 
that  is,  tliat  the  bread  be  broken  in  a  meeting  of  believers. 
It  would  be  improper  to  celebrate  the  Supper  in  an  ordina- 
ry meeting,  merely  at  the  request  of  one  person.  Do  not  in- 
dulge a  too  frequent  use  of  it  in  this  way,  lest  those 
should  pretend  a  necessity  for  it,  who  are  able  to  come  into 
the  publick  assembly.  To  permit  midwives  to  baptize  is  an 
impious  and  sacrilegious  profanation  of  baptism.  Therefore 
I  think,  that  this  practice  ought  not  only  to  be  resisted,  but 


300  LIFE  OF  CALV  liV.  iETiiiKs. 

if  the  Prince  should  urge  the  point  to  extremes,  you  ought 
to  resist  even  unto  death,  rather  than  consent  to  sanction 

this  intolerable  superstition. • . — In  burials  of 

the  dead,  I  would  wish  this  to  be  observed,  that  the  body, 
instead  of  being  carried  to  the  place  of  worship,  be  convey- 
ed directly  to  the  place  of  burial ;  and  that  the  exhortation 
should  there  be  given  to  all  the  attendants  of  the  funeral. 
As  to  the  ringing  of  the  bell,*  I  would  not  advise  you  to  be 
very  tenacious  in  your  opposition,  if  the  Prince  cannot  be 
persuaded  to  abolish  it,  as  it  is  not  worth  contending  about. 
I  would  not  have  you  oppose  every  festival,  but  insist  on  the 
abolition  of  those  which  carry  the  most  decided  marks  of  su- 
perstition, without  any  tendency  to  edification.  In  this 
manner  you  will  have  a  plausible  reason  for  your  objections. 
I  wish  you  not  to  shew  yourself  obstinate  and  morose  ;  for 
when  the  Prince  sees  your  moderation,  he  will  be  more  in- 
clined to  yield  in  some  measure,  if  he  finds  that  you  do  not 
oppoee  them  all  nor  without  reason.  I  entirely  agree  Avith 
you,  as  to  the  danger  of  varying  from  those  forms  Ayhich  are 
commonly  used  in  our  Churches ;  but  as  we  have  not  yet  ar- 
rived to  that  perfection,  which  we  anticipate,  and  towards 
which  we  hope  we  ar^  advancing,  you  need  not  hesitate  to 
admit  some  ©f  those  rites,  Avhich  you  can  neither  wholly  ap- 
probate, nor  totally  abolisli. 

Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

Geneva,  October  7,  1543. 

*  Mabillon  says,  it  was  an  ancient  custom  to  ring  tlie  beUs  for  persons 
about  to  expire,  to  advertise  the  people  to  pray  for  them ;  whence  was  deriv- 
ed the  passing-bells,  the  use  of  which  was  connected  with  other  supersti- 
tions ;  as  was  the  bell  at  the  festivals,  masses,  &c.  See  Rees'  Cyclopaedia, 
Art.  Bell  and  Funeral. 


lETXERs.  LIFE  OF  CAiAlN.  301 

LETTER  XXVI. 

EXTKACTS  FKOM  SuLTZER's  LETTER  TO  CaLVIN. 

Adrian  our  pupil  arrived  here  yesterday  from 


Strasburg,  Avith  the  good  news  that  Herman,  Bishop  of  Co- 
logne, has  abjured  the  Popish  impieties,  and  is  about  estab- 
lishing the  Pteformation  of  religion  throughout  his  domin- 
ions, by  the  means  of  Eucer,  whom  he  has  sent  for,  to  preach 
the  true  Gospel. At  Wittemburg,  Luther  has  abo- 
lished the  elevation  of  the  host,  \vhich  had  hitherto  beeq 
customary  at  the  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and 
also  the  ringing  of  the  bells,  because  some  Frenchmen,  and 
some  members  of  the  Church  in  upper  Germany,  were  dis- 
pleased with  that  ceremony. At  Leipsick,  by  Lu- 
ther's consent,  they  lately  destroyed  all  the  altars  and  ima- 
ges, in  order  to  prove  to  the  reformed  Churches,  that  he 
was  not  so  passionate  and  headstrong  as  he  was  reported  to 

be. 1  hope  that  this  will  have  a  strong  tendency  to 

produce  union  in  the  Churches;  for  the  abundance  or  di- 
versity of  rituals  among  the  Saxons  has  hitherto  oiTended 
many.  And  this  has  been  taken  advantage  of,  J>y  those  who 
are  wonderfully  skilled  in  calumny,  and  wlio  take  jiieasure  la 
interpreting   every   thing   according    to  their  own  malice, 

which  may  be  injurious  to  the  reformed  Church. 

Paul  Fagius  of  Isny  is  appointed  to  succeed  our  late  excellent 
and  learned  Capito,  in  the  ministry  and   professorsliip   of 
theology,  and  is  expected  here  every  hour.     The  Lord  pre- 
serve you  with  your  wife  and  fellow  labourers.     Farewell. 
Yours,  SULTZEPt. 

Bern,  October  21,  1M2. 


302  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

LETTER  XXVII. 

Calvin  to  Mygonius. 

They  allege  the  example  of  Moses  and  David,  as  if  tliose 
two  men  had  no  other  office  but  that  of  governing  the  people, 
in  their  civil  capacity.  These  outrageous  objectors  should 
then  give  us  civil  Magistrates  similar  to  those,  that  is,  excel- 
ling by  the  singular  spirit  of  prophecy,  and  sustaining 
each  character,  not  by  their  own  counsel  or  disposition,  but 
by  the  command  and  vocation  of  God.  That  which  they 
demand  "we  would  freely  grant  to  such  men.  But  then  ]Mo- 
ses  himself,  before  the  consecration  of  Aaron,  discharg- 
ed the  office  of  the  Priesthood.  Afterwards  by  the  com- 
mand of  God  he  prescribed  what  should  be  done.  David 
also  did  not  enter  upon  regulating  the  Church  without  the 
permission  of  the  Lord.  Other  pious  Kings,  as  w^as  beco- 
ming, guarded  the  established  order  of  the  Church  by  their 
authority ;  yet  they  relinquished  their  jurisdiction  of  the 
Church,  and  the  duties  assigned  to  the  Priest  by  the  Lord. 

LETTER  XXVIII. 

Melancihon  to  Calvix. 

Your  letter  was  transmitted  to  mc  fiom  the  Frankfort  Fair ; 
but  the  copies  of  your  late  work  were  not  brought,  as  they 
did  not  arrive  seasonably  in  that  city.  Having  afterwards 
obtained  one  at  Bonn  with  Bucer,  I  saw  your  address  fr.v  -jr^oT^ 
^ur^c-iv,  to  me,  and  directly  turned  over  a  good  part  of  the 
disputation.  As  you  honour  me  with  your  generous  com- 
mendations, and  both  piously  and  eloquently  discuss  the 
y.-hole  subject,  I  should  wish^  wheli  we  have  an  interview,  ac- 


LETTERS.  LITE  OF  CALVIN.  SOT 

cording  to  our  custom,  to  have  a  long  conversation,  both 
concerning  my  gratitude  and  the  subject  of  the  dispute.  I 
do  not  arrogate  to  myself  so  much  as  you  attribute  to  me  of 
talents  or  learning.  It  becomes  us  to  aclmowledge  our  no- 
thingness in  the  Church,  yet  I  am  highly  delighted  m  ith  your 
benevolence ;  and  give  you  thanks,  that  in  your  excellent 
book  you  have  been  pleased  to  give  so  publick  and  illustrious 
a  testimony  of  your  love  towards  me.  I  candidly  confess 
that  I  was  much  gratified  with  your  declaration,  that  I  loved 
and  sought  sincerity  and  plain  dealing.  I  can  say,  with  a  safe 
conscience,  that  it  was  my  concern,  in  the  beginning  of  these 
disputes,  when  many  things  were  discussed  with  too  much 
bitterness  and  subtility,  to  cull  out  those  things  which  were 
useful ;  and  as  much  as  I  could,  extricate  them  from  obscu- 
rity, and  publish  them  in  a  plain  and  friendly  manner.  The 
saying  of  Euripides  has  often  come  into  my  mind :  Ec-flAoy 
T»  <rcc^o(,  xeu  oiiro<p6]i  To  im)  trxpa — Perspicuity  is  goodj  and  ob- 
scurity is  foolish.  I  incurred  some  danger,  by  cutting  off 
some  tilings  most  difficult  to  be  understood ;  but  I  retained 
and  illustrated  those  things  which  were  useful.  I  did  it 
however  with  moderation,  lest  by  irritating  those  vehement 
minds,  I  should  increase  the  discord.  Tiiis  was  my  object^ 
to  preserve  unanimity  among  us  in  the  Church,  on  the  essen- 
tial points.  You  see  how  many  other  most  useful  questions 
have  been  agitated  ;  but  as  it  is  the  art  of  general?,  some- 
times to  leave  lighter  or  more  unimportant  object?,  that  they 
may  not  be  hindered  in  the  pursuit  of  those  which  are  more 
necessary,  so  we  ought  to  consider  what  those  points  are  fo? 
which  we  must  most  strenuously  contend.  The  Papists  light 
for  their  eiouXo/^ucnx,  Idol  madness,  with  greater  hope  than 
ever.  They  expect  that  our  doctrines  will  be  ruined  by  the 
folly  of  our  Princes,  whpm  they  see  involved  in.  civil  wars, 
and  irritating  Charles,  who  has  hitherto  been  quiet,  as  if  he 
wvls  desirous  to  avoid  the  German  contest?.     I  am  afflicted 


304  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

by  this  ^^eat  evil,  which  I  often  predicted  ;  not  by  the  art 
of  divination,  but  by  tlie  principles  of  common  sense,  when  I 
saw  the  great  worldly  anxiety  and  other  diseases  of  our  Prin- 
ces. I  know,  however,  that  God  will  wonderfully  preserve 
his  Church,  notwithstanding  the  fatal  tumults  of  Empires. 
Let  us  not  be  discouraged ;  but  while  we  are  able,  let  us, 
like  the  converted  thief  on  the  cross,  proclaim  the  doctrine  con- 
cerning the  lSou  of  God,  and  the  hidden  wisdom,  which  is  ap- 
propriate to  the  Church  ;  concerning  the  greatness  of  human 
depravity  ;  of  repentance ;  of  the  assurance  of  promised  mercy 
through  the  Son ;  of  true  supplication  ;  of  the  genuine  powers 
of  the  Church ;  of  the  mysteries  not  to  be  corrupted  ;  of  the  go- 
vernment of  the  Churcli,  not  sucli  as  the  Papists  fancy,  but 
such  as  it  is  defined  to  be  by  the  Prophets  and  Apostles  ;  and 
lastly,  of  eternal  life.  In  beautifying  these  great  and  essential 
doctrine",  I  would  have  you  exercise  your  eloquence,  which 
is  able,  at  the  same  time,  to  confirm  our  friends,  to  terrify 
our  enemies,  and  aiford  assistance  to  those  who  may  be  heal- 
ed. For  ^vhose  eloquence  in  reasoning  is  more  nervous  and 
splendid  ?  Mine  was  never  powerful,  on  account  of  the 
wealmess  of  my  mind ;  and  it  is  now  enervated  by  tliose  pain- 
ful cares,  which  have  consumed  the  energy  of  life.  I  gieatly 
rejoice,  therefore,  tliat  God  has  raised  you  up  for  the  defence 
of  the  gospel ;  and  I  exhort  you,  in  llie  words  wliich  the  apos- 
tle addresses  to  Timothy,  ,«---;  »u.iXu  rav  £»  c-oi  ;^<«f<c-,M,«Te?,  neglect 
not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee.  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  For  although  I 
may  appear  or^cwctv  c-Trev^ovrx,  to  exhort  one  that  is  giving  dili- 
gence, yet  these  mutual  exhortations  or  consolations,  especial- 
ly in  the  Church,  conduce  nuicli  to  confirm  the  minds  of  one- 
another  :  as  Paul  says,  he  would  be  comfnrted  by  the  mutual 
faith  and  kind  offices  of  beHcvcrs.  Rom.  i.  12.  The  oicraies, 
who  wage  Avar  against  the  Lord,  and  endeavour  to  df^stroy  us, 
are  sufficiently  numerous  on  every  hand.  On  tJiis  account, 
our  union  should  be  more  firm,  e-jvcfsfTr  yxo  <tpTyi  xeuTTm,  for 
nnited  exertion  is  more pon'cr/v(. 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  $05 

Perhaps  Germany  in  a  little  time  may  be  be  laid  waste 
by  the  Turks.  If  this  should  come  to  pass,  you  will  be  un- 
der the  stronger  obligation  to  awaken  the  love  of  learning,  in 
places  more  secure  ;  and  to  contend  earnestly,  to  preserve  the 
light  of  the  gospel,  which  you  have  enkindled  in  other  parts 
of  Europe. 

As  to  the  question  of  Predestination,  I  had,  at  Tubingen, 
a  friend,  the  learned  Francis  Stadian,  who  used  to  say,  that 
he  approved  of  these  two  points :  That  all  things  came  to 
pass,  as  divine  Providence  had  decreed  ;  and  yet  that  all 
things  were  contingent.  These  cannot  be  reconciled  with 
each  other.  I  hold  the  hypothesis,  that  God  is  not  the  cause 
of  sin,  nor  does  he  will  sin.  I  admit  also  contingency,  in  this 
our  infirmity  of  understanding  ;  that  the  common  people  may 
know  that  David  fell  freely  by  his  own  will ;  and  I  think 
that  he,  when  he  had  the  Holy  Spirit,  might  have  retained 
it,  and  that  in  the  struggle,  there  was  some  action  of  the  will. 
Although  these  things  may  be  disputed  with  more  subtlety, 
yet  when  proposed  in  this  manner,  they  appear  accommoda- 
ted to  the  government  of  our  minds.  Let  us  accuse  our  own 
will  when  we  fall,  and  not  seek,  in  the  counsels  of  God,  au  ex- 
cuse for  lifting  up  ourselves  against  him.  Let  us  believe,  that 
God  will  ailbrd  assistance  and  be  present  w  ith  those  who 
strive.  Msven  S-fA^s-sv  xa.t  &£oi  5r^o«iT<«vT«,  onli/  Will,  and  God  will 
meet  thee  with  help,  says  Basil.  Attention  therefore  should  be 
awakened  in  ourselves,  and  the  immense  goodness  of  God 
should  be  praised,  since  he  has  promised  and  administers  as- 
sistance to  those  who  seek,  as  says  the  Lord,  that  is,  to  those 
who  take  heed  to  the  promise.  For  we  must  be  governed  by 
the  word  of  God,  not  opposing  the  promise,  but  assenting  to 
it,  and  that  without  any  previous  controversy.  Then  we 
shall  willingly  assent,  when  the  secret  decree  of  God  shall 
have  been  shewn  to  us :  but  God,  who  is  etBcacious  through 
the  word,  helps  the  assenting.     I  do  not  write  these  things 

39 


306  iJFE  or  CALVIN.  letters. 

Avilh  the  intention  of  delivering  precepts  to  a  man  tlie  most 
learned  and  experienced  in  the  exercises  of  piety.  For  I 
know  that  these  things  agree  with  your  opinions.  But 
lieing  Tr»x,vr£^i!t*  concise,  tliey  are  adapted  to  common  use.  I 
wrote  tliis  letter  at  Bonn,  at  my  friend  Bucer's,  who  was  call- 
ed thither  to  reform  the  Church  hi  the  diocese  of  Cologne. 
This  purpose  you  will  commend  to  God  by  your  fervent 
prayers.  Please  to  signify  to  me  the  reception  of  this  letter ; 
for  if  I  could  be  certain  that  my  letters  would  xeach  you,  J. 
would  write  oftener.  I  owe  you  ecvn^u^ov,  a  return  for  your 
present ;  for  which  cause  I  will  shew  you  the  testimony  of  a 
grateful  mind.     Farewell. 

PHILIP  MELANCTHON. 
May  11th,  1543. 

LETTER  XXIX. 

Calvin  to  the  Ministers  of  Neujchatel. 

Tiic  love  of  God,  the  peace  of  Christ  and  the  fellowship 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  multiplied  linto  you  always,  brethren 
beloved  in  the  Lord. 

When  our  brother  Enard  brought  your  Articles,  concern- 
ing the  admi7Ustration  of  discipline  (unong  Ministers,  and  al- 
so the  objections  of  a  certain  brother  to  those  articles,  there 
was  no  one  of  us  who  did  not  judge,  that  an  answer  ought 
to  be  given  to  each  with  all  readiness.  But  as  we  were  not 
all  present,  we  deferred  it  to  this  day's  meeting.  The  busi- 
ness being  proposed,  we  all  agreed,  with  one  consent,  to  tlie 
folloA\'ing  answer :  When  Ministers  have  occasion  for  any  spe- 
cial discipline  among  themselves,  the  enquiry  is  not  to  he, 
after  what  manner  %ve  may  live,  without  establislied  rules  in 
the  Church  ;  but  that  management  and  order  are  to  be  pur- 
sued, which  are  adapted  to  retain  us  in  our  ofiice,  and  to 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  307 

serve  for  edification.  The  aifairs  of  men  are  never  so  well 
established,  as  that  any  thing  is  found  perfect.  To  this 
point,  however,  v/e  ought  always  to  aim,  that  with  one  con- 
sent, and  by  united  exertion?,  we  may  promote,  as  nmch  as 
possible,  the  design  for  which  the  Church  was  instituted. 

In  this  state  of  infirmity,  it  cannot  Ije  but  that  some 
things  will  be  wanting  in  us,  concerning  which  it  is  useful 
and  proper  that  we  should  be  admonished.  In  some  i\Ii- 
nisters,  particular  faults  are  to  be  corrected  :  others  are  to  be 
warned  before  hand,  when  wc  see  them  in  danger,  lest  they 
fall  into  imprudences :  some  are  to  l)e  excited  to  greater 
zeal :  others  must  be  checked  in  their  impetuosity  :  and  con- 
cerning others,  we  must  make  enquiry,  when  any  unfavoura- 
ble and  yet  doubtful  report  about  them  goes  aljroad.  Again, 
it  is  asked,  "  Whether,  in  general,  it  is  necessary,  that  the 
individual  delinquent  should  be  admonished  privately  by 
each  of  the  other  Ministers  ?  Or  whether  it  may  sometimes 
be  expedient,  that  a  deliberation  be  held  among  them,  and 
the  admonition  be  given  by  the  whole  meeting?"  It  often 
happens,  that  we  ought  to  be  admonished  by  a  number  to- 
gether, about  tliat  concerning  which  no  individual  con  with 
propriety  admonish  us.  Exempli  gratia,  as  it  was  just  stat- 
ed, a  rumour  is  raised,  or  some  complaints  spread  about  some 
brother :  the  neighbours  knoAV  it.  It  cannot  be  met  with 
a  better  remedy,  than  that  the  iMinister=,  having  consulted 
among  themselves,  advise  or  admonish  him  concerning  whom 
the  reports  or  complaints  are  made.  If  he  is  unjustly  cri- 
minated, they  will  thus  provide,  that  the  reports  spread  no 
further  ;  but  if  true,  he  ought  not  to  be  aduionislied  by  one  on- 
ly, but  to  be  corrected  by  the  meeting  of  his  brethren.  Take 
another  example :  There  shall  be  something  in  a  brother, 
which  shall  displease  some  others,  either  of  the  common 
members,  or  of  his  colleagues.  Here  tiie  qiie-'-tion  is  chang- 
ed :  whether  that  ivhich  is  a  deficiency  is  to  be  treated  as  u 


308  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

fault,  and  corrected  ?  In  this  case,  the  principal  points  be- 
ing compared,  a  judgment  must  be  formed.  Cases  of  this 
kind  are  daily  occurring.  To  these  the  provincial  Synods 
had  some  respect,  which  were  formerly  held  twice  a  year. 
In  those  Synods,  when  they  entered  on  the  consideration  of 
doctrine,  then  the  complaints  were  heard  concerning  the 
faults  of  any  one,  and  the  order  of  discipline  was  exercised 
towards  the  individual.  Your  institution,  therefore,  such  as 
you  have  described,  we  judge  to  be  sacred  and  lawful.  It 
is  certainly  with  propriety,  Iha^we  approve  of  that  order 
and  discipline  in  your  Church,  which  we  ourselves  have  used 
as  good  and  salutary.  Only  let  us  first  use  (in  our  Censura 
Morum)  equity  and  candour ;  and  also  prudence  and  mode- 
ration. W^hen  we  require  candour  and  equity,  we  under- 
stand this,  that  no  one  shall  labour,  Avith  a  malignant  mind, 
to  throw  spots  on  the  character  of  his  brother.  By  pru- 
dence and  moderation  we  understand,  that  no  one  shall 
make  kno^n  a  secret  fault,  by  which  any  disgrace  may 
be  affixed  upon  his  brother ;  neither  shall  things  of  small 
consequence,  levia/la,  be  exaggerated,  with  immoderate  se- 
verity. If  at  any  time  it  should  happen,  that  those 
things  are  made  publick,  from  the  moroseness  or  of- 
ficiousness  of  bretliren,  which  ought  to  be  kept  secret ;  or  if 
from  a  censorious  disposition  in  any  one,  private  faults  are 
published  ;  those  reporters  or  informers  should  by  no  means 
be  heard  ;  but  they  should  be  severely  repressed  and  dis- 
countenanced. That  the  procedure  may  be  safe  in  those 
difficulties,  which  arise  in  the  administration  of  discipline,  it 
is  useful  that  a  previous  discourse  be  faithfully  delivered, 
concerning  those  things  which  are  to  be  strictly  observed, 
by  all  those  who  a^  ould  not  turn  the  salubrious  medicine  of 
discipline  into  poison.  We  should  immediately  and  constant- 
ly from  the  beginning  admonish  them,  that  if  there  are  any 
secret  grudges,  they  should  be  openly  acknowledged :  that 


iETiERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  309 

when  one  brother  is  offended  with  another,  it  is  his  duty  to 
expostulate  with  him,  before  he  proceeds  to  charge  him  mth  a 
crime,  so  that  he  may  not  confound  those  two  distinct  du- 
ties. These  precautions  in  disciphne,  as  much  as  possible, 
are  to  be  taken  at  the  threshhold,  so  that  the  door  of  con- 
tention may  be  closed,  lest  any  creep  in  craftily ;  and  if  they 
should  perad venture  over-reach,  in  this  way,  thek-  progress 
must  be  stopped.  The  discipline  of  the  Church  is  not  on- 
ly of  divine  authority,  but  we  find,  by  experience,  that  ii  is 
necessary,  and  by  no  means  to  be  neglected  or  omitted. 

Moreover,  we  beseech  that  brother  in  the  Lord,  who  has 
hitherto  dissented  from  you,  as  to  your  order  of  discipline, 
that  he  contend  no  further  in  his  pertinacious  objections. 
He  should  remember,  among  other  things,  what  Paul  re- 
quires in  a  Pastor,  and  this  is  not  to  be  accounted  the  last, 
that  he  be  not  etuii^tK,  that  is,  that  he  be  not  self-willed.  This 
also  is  one  of  the  special  virtues  of  a  good  Pastor,  that  he  so 
abhor,  with  his  whole  heart,  contentions,  as  never  to  differ 
from  his  brethren,  unless  in  cases  of  the  most  imperious  ne- 
cessity. Take  care  also,  lest  those  who  hear  this  observa- 
tion of  ours  should  suspect  him  of  being  zealous  of  strife,  or 
of  opposing  your  articles  from  his  hatred  of  discipline  ;  for 
we  would  by  no  means  load  him  with  this  reproach,  or  at- 
tach to  hira  at  all  the  disposition  of  l)eing  self-willed.  We 
speak  these  things,therefore,  with  the  utmost  simplicity,  because 
we  desire  to  consult  his  honour  an,d  benefit.  As  much  as 
appertains  to  his  objections,  by  which  he  has  endeavoured 
to  overthroAv  your  articles  of  discipline,  Me  shall  only  say, 
with  his  permission,  that  when  he  calls  the  brotherly  correc- 
tion an  act  of  charity,  from  the  exercise  of  which  no  one  is 
to  be  excluded ;  he  appears  to  us  not  to  have  noticed 
that  which  in  the  first  place  was  necessary  to  be  known, 
that  there  are  many  kinds  of  brotherly  correction.  We  will 
omit  others,  and  observe  only  this  about  which  is  the  con- 


310  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

Iroversy,  as  this  has  its  proper  and  distinct  consideration. 
It  is  one  article  of  ecclesiastical  polity.  It  should  not,  there- 
fore, be  confounded  with  that  general  correctitm  of  morals, 
which  is  indifferently  committed  to  all.  We  do  not,  there- 
fore, concede  to  him,  that  it  is  a  simple  and  common  act  of 
charity  or  love ;  forasmuch  as  there  is  a  judicial  board,  in- 
stituted for  the  purpose  of  order  and  discipline,  which  has 
the  edification  of  the  Church  alone  for  its  object.  Neque 
ctiam  concedimus,  neminem  ab  ejus  ohligatione  eximi.  Nor 
do  me  concede,  that  any  one  is  deprived  of  his  privilege,  or 
exempted  from  his  obligation.  Although  this  manner  of 
speaking  is  ambiguous,  as  it  may  be  taken  passively  or  ac- 
tively, yet  in  either  way,  we  deny  that  all  are  bound  by 
this  article,  which  is  specially  designed  for  Ministers.  For 
as  those  laws,  which  respect  the  order  of  holding  the  Senate, 
do  not  bind  the  common  people  ;  so  it  is  agreed,  that  we  ob- 
serve among  ourselves  the  discipline  to  which  Ministers 
alone  are  subject. 

What  the  objector  has  included  in  the  same  proposition, 
"  That  brotherly  correction  is  supported  by  the  precept  of 
God"  ;  if  he  understands,  that  any  correction  of  that  kind  is 
contained  expressly  in  the  word  of  God,  this  we  by  no  means 
concede  to  him.  Substantiam  ecclesiasticce  disciplince  exprimit 
disertis  verbis  scriptura :  forma  atitem  ejus  exercendce  quo* 
niam  a  Domino  prcescripta  non  est,  a  ministris  constitui  debet 
pro  edijicatione.  The  scriptures  express  the  substance  of  ec- 
clesiastical discipline  in  plain  words  ;  but  the  form  of  exer- 
cising  it,  since  it  is  not  prescribed  by  the  Lord,  ought  to 
he  determined  by  the  Ministers  for  edification.  For  which 
reason  we  also  deny,  that  the  emendation  of  delinquents  is 
only  to  Ije  regarded  in  disciplinary  proceedings,  for  respect 
is,  at  the  same  time,  to  be  had  to  publick  order  and  com- 
mon edification.  On  this  subject  we  may  take  an  example  from 
the  scriptures :   When  Paul  came  to  Jerusalem,  he  was  ad- 


LEJTE&s.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^  3U 

vised  by  James  and  the  Elders,  as  he  had  been  evilly  report- 
ed among  the  Jews,  that  he  should  purify  himself  in  Hke 
manner  and  together  with  them.  Now  it  is  not  to  be  doubtr 
ed,  but  that  a  deliberation  among  the  Elders  preceded  this 
advice ;  and  that  this  consultation  was  held,  Paul  not  being 
present.  But  why  was  this  ?  Because,  indeed,  the  question 
concerned  not  Paul  merely,  but  the  general  interest  and 
common  edification  of  the  Church.  In  like  manner,  when 
the  brethren  reprehended  Peter,  because  he  had  turned  to 
the  Gentiles,  we  do  not  read  that  any  thing  was  said  to  him. 
privately  by  any  individual ;  because  the  matter  was  pub- 
lickly  known  to  many,  it  was  proper,  therefore,  that  the  El- 
ders should  admonish  him  among  themselves.  And  although 
Peter  was  unjustly  accused  in  this  case,  we  do  not,  however, 
read,  that  the  Elders  erred  in  the  manner  of  their  dealing 
with  him ;  the  errour  was  only  in  the  cause  itself ;  for  they 
pursued  the  usual  and  ordinary  method  of  discipline. 

The  precept  of  Christ,  which  Ave  have  in  Matthew  xviii,, 
we  receive  concerning  secret  faults,  according  to  the  express 
meaning  of  the  words.  Therefore,  if  a  brother  offend  in 
any  thing,  you  knowing  it,  and  there  being  no  other  wit- 
ness, Christ  commands  you  to  go  to  him  in  private  ;  al- 
tliough  he  does  not  forbid  but  that  you  should  do  the  same 
in  a  case  where  there  are  others  who  equally  know  the  facts 
with  yourself.  This  should  be  done,  as  though  you  were 
ignorant  that  others  knew  it ;  and  on  the  ground  that  you 
do  not '  tliink  it  expedient  to  accuse  him  in  the  presence  of 
other  persons.  Christ  adds.  If  you  effect  nothing  in  this 
way,  take  with  you  Uvo  or  three  witnesses.  This,  in  our 
judgment,  is  not  to  be  understood  of  the  witnesses  of  the 
fault,  but  of  the  admonition ;  that  by  this  means  it  may  have 
more  weight.  This,  however,  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  point 
of  preventing  the  exercise  of  discipline,  about  w  hich  the  contro- 
versy now  i§.  Resides  it  is  not  ijow  d^batpxi  whether  secret  faults 


312  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

are  to  be  publickly  exposed ;  but  our  enquiry  is,  what  those 
things  are  which  only  beget  some  small  offence,  or  which  are 
not  much  removed  from  occasioning  offence.  Of  this  kind 
Ave  have  an  example  in  the  reprehension  of  Peter.  For  nei- 
ther did  Paul  refuse  witnesses,  that  he  might  admonish  Pe- 
ter privately,  but  he  did  it  before  the  Church.  Nor  yet 
was  the  matter  known  to  all ;  but  because  danger  threaten- 
ed, he  would  be  before  hand  and  prevent  it. 

Ihe  fifth  proposition  of  the  objector,  we  cannot  receive 
without  exception  ;  for  it  declares,  "  that  we  are  proceeding 
correctly,  even  when  we  admonish  a  Presbyter  privately  who 
is  labouring  under  a  notorious  sin."  But  Paul,  in  the  text 
where  he  forbids  an  accusation  to  be  received  against  Elders, 
unless  before  proper  witnesses,  would  on  the  other  hand  have 
peccant es  Preshi/ienos,  offending  Presbyters  admonished  before 
all,  that  others  also  might  fear.  If  it  is  sometimes  a  duty  to 
admonish  offenders  publickly,  even  Presbyters,  for  whom  a 
greater  respect  is  to  be  had,  and  it  obtains  for  an  example,  it 
certainly  cannot  be  correctly  and  prudently  done,  that  any 
one  should  abstain  from  such  reprehension.  What  shall  we 
say  more  ?  We  judge  that  we  have  given  all  the  counsel, 
which  the  time  allows,  or  the  case  requires.  But  these  two 
things  are  to  be  always  regarded,  the  first,  that  offenders  be 
not  discouraged,  through  too  much  severity  :  and  the  other, 
that  offences  be  not  connived  at  by  us.  We  wonder  why 
that  Brother  added  the  sixth  proposition,  for  it  is  sufficiently 
evident  from  the  term  Church,  in  the  words  of  Christ,  that 
he  properly  designated  that  Church  of  which  he  himself  was 
a  member,  and  whose  obstinacy  he  had  denounced.  But 
here  two  things  are  to  be  observed  ;  First,  that  Avhen  the  ob- 
stinacy of  a  stubborn  offender  is  published  before  one  Church, 
and  he  contemptuously  leaves  that  Church  and  migrates  to 
another,  he  shall  be  denounced  in  this  also.  The  ancient 
Canons  determine  this,  when  they  prohibit  a  stranger  to  be 


LBTTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^  313 

received  to  communion,  unless  he  shall  produce  a  testimony. 
For  where  is  the  communion  of  the  Church,  if  when  condemn- 
ed by  one  he  is  received  by  another  ?  Where  is  the  disci- 
pline, if  he  who  despises  one  Church  may  migrate  to  another, 
and  carry  such  pride  with  him  with  impunity  ?  The  other 
point  to  be  observed  is,  that  those  whom  we  esteem  to  be  ]\Ii- 
nisters  of  one  Church  qui  in  unwn  collegium  adunatiy  mho 
are  united  in  one  association^  should  constitute  one  body. 
^uorswn  enim  Decamis,  quorsum  alia  omnia,  nisi  tanquam  uni- 
us  -corporis  membra  inter  nos  coalescamus  ?  For  what  pur- 
pose is  a  Leader,  or  Moderator,  for  what  purpose  all  other 
things,  unless,  as  members  of  cme  body,  me  are  united  among 
ourselves  ? 

We  trust  that  the  author  of  the  propositions  will  receive 
in  good  part  what  we  have  written  in  sincerity.  It  is  the 
duty  of  us  all,  not  only  to  yield  to  the  truth,  but  to  receive  it 
willingly,  with  extended  hands  when  it  comes  in  our  way. 
Farewell,  dear  brethren  in  the  Lord.  May  the  Lord  multi- 
ply unto  you  daily  the  spirit  of  M'isdom  and  prudence,  for 
the  edification  of  his  Church,  and  may  he  render  your  minis- 
try extensively  fruitful. 

JOHN  CALVIN, 
in  the  name  of  all  the  brethren. 

Geneva,  from  our  meeting,  Nov.  7, 154i. 

LETTER  XXX. 

Calvin  to  the  Qu££n  of  Navarre. 

I  have  received  a  letter  from  a  certain  person,  which  he 
says  was  written  by  him  at  your  request.  By  this  letter  I 
perceive,  that  you  do  not  approve  of  the  book  which  I  pub- 
lished against  the  Libertines.  It  would  grieve  me  extremely 
to  occasion  you  sorrow,  unless  it  might  tend  to  your  salvation. 

40 


314  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  rEftERS, 

That  sorrow  is  not  to  he  repented  of^  cis  says  the  apostle,  tkd 
cause  ofnhich  ought  to  lead  any  one  to  repentance,  Ho^vever,  \ 
can  hardly  conceive,  why  this  book  has  excited  so  much  dissa- 
tisfaction. He  who  wrote  to  me  says  the  cause  of  the  of- 
fence was,  that  the  book  was  w  ritten  against  yoii  and  your 
household.  As  it  respects  you,  I  never  even  thought  of  at- 
tacking your  name,  or  of  diminishing  that  respect  which  all 
pious  persons  owe  you  ;  not  to  mention  the  royal  dignity  to 
which  the  Lord  has  raised  you,  the  illustrious  family  from 
which  you  descended,  and  finally  the  summit  of  supreme  no- 
bility, which  renders  you  conspicuous  in  the  world.  Ail 
\vho  know  me  are  witnesses,  how  much  I  am  a  stranger  to 
that  incivility,  that  would  despise  earthly  powers  and  prin- 
cipalities, and  whatever  else  appertains  to  civil  government. 
I  am  by  no  means  ignorant  of  those  qualifications  with  which 
God  has  endowed  you ;  and  how  extensively  he  has  used 
your  labours  in  the  defence  of  his  kingdom.  Tliese  things 
afford  me  a  substantial  reason  for  respecting  you  and  defend^ 
ing  your  name.  I  wish  you  to  persuade  yourself,  that  those 
persons,  who  are  endeavouring  to  excite  your  resentment 
against  me,  are  neither  influenced  by  a  regard  for  you,  nor 
any  personal  hatred  to  me ;  but  are  in  this  way  taking 
the  opportunity  to  withdraw  you  from  the  sincere  love, 
which  you  have  manifested  towards  the  Church  of  God  ;  and 
thus  to  alienate  your  affections  by  degrees  from  the  solici- 
tude with  which  you  have  hitherto  worshipped  Christ  our 
Lord,  and  protected  his  members.  As  to  your  house- 
hold, I  do  not  suppose  you  can  imagine  your  house  to  be 
more  dignified  than  that  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose 
family  there  was  one  who  deserved  the  name  of  a  Devil ;  a 
servant  who  sat  at  his  own  table,  and  was  raised  to  the 
honour  of  being  appointed  one  of  the  Ambassadours  of  the 
Son  of  God.  I  was  not,  however,  so  inconsiderate  as  to  de- 
signate your  house,  at  the  time  when  I  expressed  the  truth 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^X^ 

on  that  subject,  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  nor  did  I  even 
hint  that  those  whom  I  mentioned  pertained,  in  any  respect, 
to  your  family.  It  may  now  be  enquired,  whether  from  mo- 
lives  of  mere  self-gratification,  I  treated  of  those  persons  in  my 
discourse  ;  or  whether  I  was  influenced  by  weighty  and  just 
reasons,  and  as  from  mere  necessity,  to  notice  them  as  I  did  ? 
When  you  possess  the  whoJe  truth  of  this  matter,  I  am  per- 
suaded, that  you  will  judge  me  not  only  excusable,  but  that 
my  candour  deserves  your  commendation.  Concerning  this 
sect,  I  am  decidedly  of  the  opinion,  that  there  is  nothing 
among  men  more  pernicious  and  abominable.  It  is  a  biirn- 
ing  torch,  by  which  all  things  will  be  immediately  enkin- 
dled and  consumed.  It  is  a  most  powerful  contagion,  by 
which  every  thing  will  be  infected,  unless  some  remedy  is 
at  once  applied  to  arrest  its  progress.  Now  as  I  am  called 
of  God  to  this  oiiice,  my  conscience  im_pels  me  to  resist  this 
pressing  evil  with  all  my  strength.  Besides,  I  am  called  up- 
on daily,  by  many  pious  persons,  who  have  not  ceased  to  im- 
plore my  assistance,  complaining  tliat  almost  all  the  Nether- 
lands were  beset  with  that  evil ;  and  saying  that  I  should  at 
least  exert  myself  to  apply  a  remedy.  Not\vithstanding 
these  excitements,  I  restrained  myself  a  aa  hole  year,  hoping 
that  the  evil  would  sicken  and  silently  die  away  of  itself. 
If  any  one  objects,  that  it  would  have  been  sufficient  for  me 
to  write  against  their  opinions,  and  spare  their  persons,  I 
have  a  reasonable  excuse.  When  I  understood  how  nmch 
hurt  Anthony  Poquet  was  doing  in  Artois,  Hainault  and  the 
neighbourhood,  and  from  persons  worthy  of  full  credit ;  and 
when  I  was  personally  knowing  that  ^uintin  was  wholly  en- 
gaged in  winning  over  the  simple  and  the  credulous  to  that 
irrational  sect,  and  that  tiiese  men  Avere  incessantly  labour- 
ing to  destroy  the  true  doctrine,  to  plunge  wretched  souls 
into  perdition,  and  to  carry  a  contempt  of  God  through  the 
whole  earth.;  J  put  the  que'^tion  to  you  for  decision,  whe- 


316  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letter^. 

ther  I  could  honestly  have  concealed  these  men  ?  A  dog, 
if  any  one  attacks  his  master,  will  at  least  attempt  to  frighten 
him  by  barking.  Who  would  excuse  me,  if,  when  I  hear 
the  truth  of  God  assailed,  I  should  suffer  my  mouth  to  re- 
main closed  ?  I  do  not  believe  that  you  expect  me,  in  or- 
der to  please  you,  to  prevaricate  in  the  defence  of  the  Gos- 
pel, which  is  committed  to  me.  Do  not  then,  I  beseech 
you,  take  it  amiss,  if  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty,  being 
compelled  by  the  fear  of  God,  I  have  not  spared  one  of 
your  household,  since  I  have  offered  nothing  which  might 
in  the  least  affect  your  reputation.  What  the  author  of  the 
letter  says  in  your  name,  that  such  servants  as  I  am  will  not 
be  very  acceptable  to  you,  I  judge  the  same  of  myself,  and 
acknowledge  that  I  cannot  be  of  any  great  service  to  you ; 
for  neither  have  I  the  ability,  nor  you  the  occasion  of  ray 
personal  assistance.  But  yet  a  partiality  of  mind  towards 
you  is  not  wanting,  nor  will  I,  while  I  live,  by  the  grace  of 
God,  be  otherwise  affected  towards  you.  Should  you  even 
be  avei'se  to  my  respect,  that  will  not  change  my  disposition 
or  affection  towards  you.  As  to  other  things,  every  onie 
who  knows  me  can  testify  how  far  my  disposition  is  from 
seeking  access  to  Princes,  and  from  being  excited  by  a  love 
of  such  honours.  Perhaps  if  I  had  sought  them,  I  should 
not  have  succeeded  in  obtaining  them.  I  have  reason  to 
thank  God,  that  my  mind  is  wholly  free  from  that  desire. 
I  am  abundantly  satisfied,  that  I  am  in  the  service  of  that 
Divine  Master,  who  has  admitted  and  retained  me  in  his  fa- 
mily, and  entrusted  me  with  that  office,  which  with  him  is 
of  so  much  ^veight,  however  it  may  be  accounted  vile  and 
despicable  in  the  eyes  of  men.  I  should  be  the  most  un- 
grateful of  all  mortals,  if  I  did  not  prefer  this  my  condition 
to  all  the  honours  and  riches  of  the  world.  As  to  the  incon- 
stancy of  which  you  accuse  me,  I  assure  you,  confidently, 
that  you  have  been  imposed  upon.    I  have,  indeed,  never 


jLETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  Sit 

been  brouglit  to  this  trial,  that  any  one  should  demand  of  mfe 
a  confession  of  my  faith.  Should  it  be  demanded  of  me,  I 
have  no  such  confidence  in  myself  that  I  dare  boast ;  l)ut  I 
am  confident,  that  as  God  formerly  supported  me,  so  that  I 
did  not  fear  to  defend  his  word,  in  the  name  of  anot/ier,^  even 
at  the  hazard  of  my  life,  so  in  like  manner  he  will  reach  out 
the  hand  of  protection  to  me,  Avhenever  his  name  may  l>e 
glorified  by  my  confession.  By  divine  favour,  I  have  been 
so  consistent  with  myself,  that  no  one  can  accuse  me  of  a  di- 
rect or  indirect  denial  or  recantation  of  the  truth,  which  I 
have  supported.  And  what  is  etill  more  than  that,  it  m  as 
always  in  my  view  an  awful  madness,  which  could  induce 
any  one  to  deny  Christ,  to  preserve  his  life  or  estate ;  and 
such  were  my  feelings  on  that  occasion,  n  hen  I  was  in  France, 
as  I  am  able  to  prove  by  appropriate  ^vitnesses.  That  it 
may  appear  more  evident,  that  those,  who  have  endeavoured 
to  injure  me  in  your  estimation,  have  basely  abused  your 
generous  disposition,  I  will  name  to  you,  as  a  witness,  Clera- 
cus,  from  whom  you  may  most  certainly  ascertain  the  ex- 
treme falsehood  of  the  calumny,  which  has  been  invented 
against  me,  and  which  is  insufferable,  as  by  it  the  name  of 
God  may  be  blasphemed.  In  myself,  1  am  indeed  nothing  ; 
but  since  God  has  been  pleased  to  use  me  as  an  instrument 
in  building  up  his  Church,  I  see,  as  well  as  others,  how  in- 
jurious would  be  the  consequences  of  that  reproach,  if  cre- 
dited against  me,  and  how  it  would  prevail  to  the  disgrace 
of  the  Gospel.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  has  not  permitted 
Satan  to  contend  against  me  to  that  degree,  but  that  he  has 
supported  me  in  my  infirmity  ;  and  never  suffered  me  to  be 
arraigned  for  the  utmost  trial  of  my  faith,  nor  proved  my 

*  This  undoubtedly  refers  to  the  sermon  which  Cop,  the  Rector  of  the 
University  of  Paris,  preached  on  All  Saints  day,  which  it  is  said  Calvin  com- 
posed in  part  at  least.  It  was  the  danger  to  which  Calvin  was  then  esnos- 
?d,  that  brought  hin\  first  acquainted  with  the  Queen.- 


318  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

integrity  by  chains.  I  would  wish  your  pardon  for  the 
shortness  of  my  letter,  and  a  certain  perturbation  which  af- 
fects me  ;  for  as  soon  as  I  received  your  letter  I  immediate- 
ly began  this  answer,  that  I  might,  to  your  satisfaction,  re- 
move the  offence  ;  and  induce  you  to  continue  your  protec- 
tion and  benevolence  towards  the  pious,  according  to  your 
former  munificence.  May  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  protect  you 
by  his  shield,  and  direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  to  pursue  his  VO' 
cation,  even  unto  death,  with  a  sincere  zeal  and  prudence. 
Your  most  humble  and  devoted  servant, 

JOHN  CALVIN. 
April  20,  1545. 

LETTER  XXXL 

Calvin  to  Melancthon,  wishes  health. 

I  will  briefly  mention  for  what  reason  thi^  noble  and  pious 
youth  has  undertaken,  at  my  request,  this  visit  to  you.  I 
published  a  small  book  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  in  which  I 
reproved  the  hypocrisy  of  those  who,  although  enlightened 
by  the  true  Gospel,  still  continued  to  attend  the  service  of 
the  Papists,  which  they  know  to  be  full  of  sacrilege  and 
anathema.  You  would  wish  me,  perhaps,  to  moderate 
.■i^omething  of  this  precise  severity.  But  what  just  occasion 
I  had  for  thig  you  avIII  be  able  to  judge,  when  you  have 
weighed  and  ^\^t\l  considered  the  subject.  Perceiving  that 
many  complained  of  my  severity,  especially  those  who  ap- 
peared to  grow  wise  in  their  own  opinion,  in  proportion  as 
tliey  took  more  diligent  care  to  preserve  their  lives ;  I  com- 
posed an  Apologiif  which  wounded  their  sensibility  more 
painfully  than  the  former  treatise.  Many,  who  esteem  re- 
ligion only  as  they  do  philosophy,  affect  severely  to  despise 
my  reproof.     All  those,  however,  who  seriously  fear  God, 


LETTERS,  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  319 

have  at  least  advanced  eo  far  in  knowledge,  as  to  begin  to 
be  dissatisfied  with  themselves.  But  as  the  question  ap- 
pears to  thera  perplexed,  they  still  hang  in  doubt  until  they 
shall  be  confirmed  by  your  authority,  and  that  of  Luther. 
I  apprehend  that  they  consult  you,  because  they  hope  that 
your  opinion  will  be  more  agreeable  to  their  \\  ishes.  But 
whatever  may  be  their  intentions,  as  I  am  persuaded,  that 
from  your  singular  prudence  and  sincerity,  you  will  faithful- 
ly give  them  salutary  counsel,  I  readily,  according  to  their 
request,  engaged  to  send  a  man  to  you  on  this  business.  But 
as  I  considered  it  to  be  a  matter  of  consequence,  that  you 
should  know  my  opinion,  and  the  reasons  which  induced  me 
to  embrace  it,  I  immediately  translated  the  tno  books  into 
the  Latin  tongue.  And  although  I  may  appear  to  have 
done  this  improperly,  yet  I  ask  you,  by  our  mutual  friend- 
ship, not  to  refuse  the  trouble  of  reading  them.  Your  judg- 
ment, as  it  ought  to  be,  is  of  such  weight  with  me,  that  it 
tvould  give  me  great  unhappiness  to  undertake  to  defend 
that  on  this  subject  which  you  could  by  no  means  approve. 
I  know,  indeed,  that  from  your  great  moderation,  you  allow 
many  things  to  others,  which  you  would  not  permit  to  your- 
self. We  must,  however,  enquire,  what  is  lawful  for  us  ? 
lest  we  loosen  where  the  Lord  binds.  I  do  not  ask  you  to 
agree  with  me ;  that  would  be  too  great  effrontery ;  or  to 
depart,  on  my  account,  from  the  free  and  plain  exposition  of 
your  opinion.  All  I  ask  is,  that  you  would  not  neglect  the 
perusal  of  the  books.  Indeed,  I  wish  that  we  so  entirely 
agreed,  that  there  should  not  be  even  the  appearance  of  a 
disagreement  in  a  single  word.  It  is  your  duty  to  precede 
me,  rather  than  have  any  regard  to  what  might  meet  ray  ap- 
probation. You  see  how  familiarly  1  address  you,  nor  am  I 
at  all  anxious  lest  it  should  exceed  the  limits  of  friendship  ; 
for  I  well  understand  how  much  freedom  is  permitted  me, 
from  your  singular  good  will  towards  me.    I  apprehend  there 


320  LIFE  OF  CALVIK.  rETXERS. 

will  be  somewhat  more  difficulty  in  treating  with  Luther.  As 
far  as  I  learn  from  reports,  and  the  letters  of  some  of  my 
friends,  the  mind  of  that  man,  being  as  yet  scarcely  pacified, 
will  be  fretted  by  the  most  trifling  cause.  On  this  account, 
the  letter  which  I  have  written  to  him  the  messenger  will 
show  to  you ;  so  that,  after  perusing  it,  you  can  regulate  the 
whole  business  according  to  your  own  prudence.  You  will 
provide,  therefore,  that  nothing  is  attempted  rashly,  and  with- 
out due  consideration,  that  may  have  an  unfavourable  ter- 
mination ;  which  I  am  confident  you  will  faithfully  accom- 
plish, by  your  uncommon  address. 

I  have  not  been  able  as  yet  fully  to  ascertain  what  con- 
troversies are  agitated  among  you  in  Germany,  nor  what 
has  been  their  issue ;  excepting  that  an  atrocious  libel  has? 
been  published,  which,  like  a  fire-brand,  will  enkindle  fresh 
flames,  unless  the  Lord,  on  the  other  hand,  restrain  their 
minds,  already,  as  you  know,  beyond  measure  heated.  But 
for  what,  and  why  are  these  controversies  excited  ?  When 
I  consider  how  ill-timed  these  intestine  controversies  are,  I 
am  almost  lifeless  with  grief.  A  merchant  of  Nuremberg, 
passing  through  this  city,  lately  showed  me  an  apology  of 
Osiandcr,  which  greatly  mortified  me  for  his  sake.  For 
what  purpose  could  it  answer,  to  abuse  the  ZuinglianSy  with 
foul  language,  at  every  third  line  ;  to  treat  with  so  much  in- 
humanity Zuinglius  himself ;  and  not,  indeed,  even  to  spare 
that  holy  servant  of  God,  (Ecolampadius,  whose  meekness  I 
M'ish  he  would  half  imitate  ?  Osiander  would,  in  that  case, . 
be  far  higher  in  my  estimation.  I  do  not,  by  any  means, 
ask  him  to  suffer  in  silence  his  reputation  to  be  traduced 
with  impunity.  I  only  wish  he  would  abstain  from  re- 
proaching those  men,  whose  memory  ought  to  be  honoured 
by  every  pious  person.  While  I  am  displeased  with  the 
petulance  of  the  Avriter,  by  Avhose  mournful  ditties  he  com- 
{)lains  that  he  has  been  defamed  ;  I  lament  his  v  ant  of  mo- 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  321 

deration,  discernment  and  discretion.  How  great  is  the  plea- 
sure which  we  are  aifording  the  Papists,  as  if  we  were  devot. 
ing  our  labours  to  their  cause !  But  I  shall  unreasonably  in- 
crease your  sorrow,  by  the  recital  of  evils  which  you  cannot 
remedy.  Let  us  mourn  then,  since  it  becomes  us  to  be  afflict- 
ed jvith  the  troubles  of  the  Church  ;  but  let  us  still  sustain  our- 
selves with  this  hope,  that  although  ne  are  oppressed  and  toss- 
ed by  these  mighty  maters^  ne  shall  not  be  overwhelmed. 

All  the  brethren  in  France  have  their  minds  much  elevat- 
ed in  the  strong  expectation  of  a  Council.  There  is  no  doubt 
but  that  the  King  himself,  at  least  in  the  beginning,  had  a 
desire  and  determination  to  convoke  one.  For  Cardinal 
Tournon,  on  his  return  from  the  Emperour,  persuaded  Fran- 
cis, that  Charles  had  the  same  intention.  At  the  same  time, 
he  advised  the  King,  in  the  name  of  the  Emperour,  to  send 
for  two  or  three  of  you  to  meet  him ;  hoping  that  by  flat- 
tery, or  by  some  other  means,  he  might  extort  from  you  se- 
parately, what  he  could  not  obtain  from  you  in  a  Council. 
The  Emperour  promised  that  he  would  pursue  the  same 
course.  This  was  their  object,  that  you  being  bound  by 
previous  declarations  to  them,  would  be  less  able  to  vindi- 
cate the  cause,  when  you  should  come  to  serious  disputa- 
tion in  the  Assembly.  Having  despaired  of  conquering  us, 
by  an  opm  and  correct  management  of  the  cause,  they  see 
no  shorter  and  surer  method  of  succeeding,  than  by  keeping 
the  Princes  in  fear  of  punishment ;  that  they  may  hold 
their  liberty,  as  if  conquered  and  bound,  in  subserviency  to 
their  purposes.  As  this  advice  pleased  the  King,  Castella- 
nus  refused  to  allow  the  French  Divines  to  dispute  with 
you,  unless  they  should  be  first  well  instructed  and  prepar-. 
ed.  You  were  men  accustomed  to  this  kind  of  battle,  and 
could  not  be  so  easily  overcome.  They  must  take  care  lest 
the  King  be  betrayed  through  the  ignorance  of  his  Diviaes^ 
and  expose  his  whole  kingdom  to  ridicule.    Thf  ambiUon  oT 

41 


S22  Lll-E  OF  CALVIN.  eetteks, 

llie  King  gave  llie  preference  to  this  advice.  Twelve  were 
elected  to  dispute  at  JMelun,  on  the  various  controverted 
points,  and  were  ordered  to  refer  their  decisions  to  the  King. 
They  promised,  under  oath,  to  keep  the  transactions  in  si- 
lence. But  I  certainly  know,  though  they  be  silent,  that 
they  aim  entirely  at  suppressing  the  truth ;  and  however 
they  dissem])le,  as  though  they  were  seeking  some  kind  of 
reformation,  it  is  unquestionably  a  fact,  that  they  are  agitat- 
ing this  one  point  alone  :  How  the  light  of  the  true  doctrine 
may  be  buried,  and  their  own  tyranny  established.  I  am 
persuaded  that  the  advice  of  Cardinal  Tournon  was  provi- 
dentially frustrated ;  lest  some  of  our  brethren,  unguarded 
and  unsuspecting,  should  be  ensnared.  You  remember  that 
the  same  artifices  were  made  use  of  against  you  by  Bellai. 
But  if  we  turn  unto  the  Lord,  all  ttieir  assaults  and  machi- 
nations will  be  vain.  Farewell,  most  excellent  man  and  re- 
spected friend.  May  the  Lord  be  always  present  with  you, 
and  long  preserve  you  in  health  for  his  Church. 

Yours,  .  JOHN  CALVIN, 

January  18,  1545. 

[The  folIoAving  letter  is  on  the  same  general  subject  with 
a  part  of  the  preceding ;  and  is  therefore  here  inserted  in 
connection  with  that.] 

Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

I  wish  that  my  sympathy  in  your  grief,  while  it  dis- 
tresses me,  might  in  some  measure  relieve  you.  If  the  fact 
is  as  the  brethren  of  Zurich  say,  they  certainly  had  a 
just  cause  for  writing.  With  w  hat  rashness  your  Pericles 
(Osiander)  continues  to  thunder  ?  EspeciaDy  as  his  cause  is 
only  the  worse  for  it.  We  all  owe  much  to  him,  I  confess ;: 
and  I  should  be  Avilling  to  have  him  possess  the  chief  Ma- 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  323 

gistracy,  if  he  only  knew  how  to  govern  himself.  "We  must, 
however,  always  take  heed,  in  the  Church,  how  much  defe- 
rence we  pay  to  men.  The  work  is  done,  when  any  one  has 
more  power  than  all  the  rest ;  especially,  if  this  one  has  no- 
thing to  check  him  in  making  all  possibJe  experiments.  In 
the  present  deranged  state  of  things,  we  perceive  how  diffi- 
cult it  is  to  quiet  the  disturbances.  If  we  all,  however,  ex- 
ercised that  disposition  which  ought  to  guide  us,  some  re^ 
medy  perhaps  might  be  found.  We  are  certainly  transmit- 
ting to  posterity  a  pernicious  example,  by  consenting  to  aban- 
don our  liberty,  rather  than  to  disquiet  the  mind  of  one 
man  with  some  trifling  mortification.  His  passions  are  vehe- 
ment, and  he  is  subject  to  violent  paroxysms.  He  also 
boasts  of  this  vehemency,  in  proportion  as  we  all  indulge 
him,  and  suffer  every  thing  from  him.  If  this  example  of 
insolent  dommation  manifests  itself,  at  the  very  opening  of 
the  Reformation  of  the  Church,  what  will  shortly  take  place, 
when  things  shall  have  fallen  into  a  still  worse  condition  ? 
Let  us  weep,  therefore,  for  the  calamity  of  tlie  Church ; 
let  us  not  suppress  our  grief  in  our  own  breasts ;  but  ven- 
ture at  length  to  give  our  lamentations  a  free  circulation. 
Whoi  if  you  were,  by  the  permission  of  God,  reduced  to  the 
extreme  necessity  of  having  extorted  from  you  a  fuller  con- 
fession concerning  this  subject  ?  I  acknowledge,  indeed,  that 
what  you  teach  is  perfectly  true ;  and  that,  by  your  mild 
manner  of  teaching,  you  leave  endeavoured  hitherto  to  recal 
others  from  contention  ;  and  I  commend  your  prudence  and 
moderation.  But  while  you  avoid  this  subject,  (Consuljstan- 
tiation,)  as  some  dangerous  rock,  lest  you  incur  the  displea- 
sure of  some,  you  leave  many  in  suspense  and  perplexity,  who 
require  of  you  something  more  decisive,  in  which  they  may 
acquiesce.  It  is,  however,  a  dishonour  to  us,  as  I  remeraber 
to  have  said  to  you  before,  that  we  do  not  consignare,  raU- 
fy,  at  least  with  ink,  that  doctrine,  which  so  m^ny  piou-^  ppr.- 


32Ji  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  iutterb. 

sons  have  delivered  to  us,  testaiam,  sealed  with  their  own 
blood.  Perhaps  God  will  now  open  to  you  the  way  for  a 
full  and  firm  explanation  of  your  mind,  on  this  subject; 
that  those  who  depend  on  your  authority,  whom  you  know 
to  be  very  many,  may  no  longer  remain  in  doubt.  I  do  not 
say  this  so  much  to  aAvaken  as  to  console  you.  For  unless 
I  hoped  that  something  of  this  kind  would  arise  from  ^is 
turbulent  and  overbearing  insurrection,  I  should  be  affected 
with  a  grief  much  more  severe.  However,  we  must  quietly 
wait  for  such  a  termination  as  the  Lord  will  please  to  grant. 
In  the  mean  time,  let  us  preserve  our  course  with  unyield- 
ing resolution. 

I  give  you  many  thanks  for  your  answer,  and  also  for  the 
singular  kindness,  with  which  you  have  treated  Claudius,  as  he 
informs  me.  From  your  kind  and  generous  reception  of  ray 
fi'iends,  I  am  enabled  to  form  an  opinion  of  your  disposition 
towards  me.  I  give  sincere  thanks  to  God,  that  on  the 
chief  heads  of  that  question,  (as  stated  in  the  preceding  let- 
ter,) concerning  which  we  were  consulted,  our  opinions  have 
so  entirely  agreed.  For  although  there  is  a  very  small  di& 
ference  about  some  particulars,  yet  as  to  the  substance  of  the 
matter,  we  perfectly  coincide. 

June  28,  1445. 

LETTER  XXXIL 

BocER  TO  Calvin,  wishes  health. 

Beseecli  the  Lord  fervently  for  the  health  of  this  Church  5 
iliat  she  may  learn  to  lose  her  life,  that  she  may  save  it. 
The  Lord  preserve  you,  and  strengthen  you  against  all  evils. 
May  your  wife  and  household  be  preserved  ;  and  may  the 
jame  gracious  Being  preserve  mine  also, 

March  30, 154r. 


lETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  325 

LETTER  XXXIII. 

BUCER  TO  CAiyiN,  S.  D. 

O  my  Calvin !  is  not  God  thus  Avanting  to  his  promises, 
because  we  have  despised  them  ?  How  suddenly  all  our 
loftiness  is  fallen  into  baseness  and  misery  ?  Thus  a  just 
God  punishes  us,  and  will  still  punish  that  contempt  of  his 
name,  which  he  has  so  long  suffered  from  our  abusive  hy- 
pocrisy. He  will  vindicate  his  name  also  from  Antichrist, 
by  whose  endless  and  most  insolent  reproaches  it  is  daily 
abused.  But  when  we  shall  at  length  perceive  by  whom  m  e 
are  cast  down,  and  how  justly  yve  have  merited  that  fall, 
we  may  return  to  our  Father  who  is  chastising  us.  Pray 
instantly  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  gives  repentance  and  faith, 
that  he  would  pierce  the  hardness  of  our  hearts,  and  pene- 
trate them  with  a  true  feeling  andgrief  for  our  impiety ;  and 
that  he  would  give  us  wholly  to  trust  in  and  consecrate  ourr 
selves  to  him,  that,  in  prayer,  we  may  seek  the  Father  through 
him,  for  the  pardon  of  our  sins ;  which,  imless  they  are  re- 
moved from  us,  threaten  us  with  sudden  destruction.  I  do 
not,  however,  fear  the  destruction  of  the  kingdopi  of  Christ ; 
I  am  confident,  that  it  will  be  gloriously  extended ;  and 
that  Antichrist  will  be  daily  worn  doMH ;  but  my  fear  is, 
that  the  Lord  will  use  us  Germans  for  this  purpose.  Other 
things  this  brother  will  communicate.  The  Lord  be  m  itli 
you.    Salute  most  affectionately  all  yours  for  me. 

Yours,  BUCER. 

July  19,  154r, 


326  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

LETTER  XXXIV. 

,  J.  Calvin  to  the  Protector  of  Ejigland. 

Although  God  has  endowed  you,  most  noble  Lord,  for  your 
station,  with  the  fortitude,  prudence  and  other  virtues,  Avhich 
the  magnitude  of  the  office  demands ;  yet  as  you  acknowledge 
me  to  be  a  servant  of  his  Son,  whom  you  account  yourself  to 
prefer  before  all  things  else,  I  have  persuaded  myself  that 
you  would  receive  it  kindly,  that  I  should  write  to  you  in  his 
name.  I  propose  to  myself  nothing  more,  than  that  you 
should  continue  to  advance  his  glory,  by  pursuing  the  M-ork 
you  have  begun,  until  you  have  brought  his  kingdom  to  the 
most  desirable  state,  of  which  it  is  capable  on  earth.  In  pe- 
rusing this  letter  you  will  perceive,  that  I  have  produced 
nothing  of  my  OMn,  but  have  transcribed  from  the  scriptures 
whatever  you  have  here  for  your  benefit.  When  I  consider 
the  singular  greatness  to  which  you  are  raised,  I  am  fully 
sensible,  with  how  much  difficulty,  my  littleness  will  find  ac- 
cess to  you.  But  as  you  do  not  despise  the  doctrine  of  that 
master  to  whom  I  am  devoted,  and  as  you  consider  it  a  dis- 
tinguished privilege  to  be  in  the  number  of  his  disciples,  I 
need  not  apologize  in  many  words,  believing  that  you  are  suf- 
ficiently prepared  to  receive  whatever  manifestly  comes  from 
him.  We  certainly  have  reason  to  thank  God  our  Father, 
that  he  has  been  pleased  to  use  your  labom's,  in  so  great  a 
work,  as  that  of  restoring  his  pure  and  smcere  worship  in  the 
kingdom  of  England  ;  in  causing  that  the  doctrine  of  salva- 
tion, chiefly  by  your  means,  should  be  publickly  and  faithful- 
ly announced  to  all,  who  will  deign  to  open  their  ears  ;  in 
strengthening  you,  with  so  great  resolution  and  constancy,  to 
persevere  undismayed,  through  so  many  difficulties  and  in- 
sults ;  and  that  he  has  hitherto  assisted  you  with  his  powerful 


lETiERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  32? 

hand,  followed  with  his  blessing  and  prospered  your  counsels 
and  labours.  These  are  so  many  arguments  with  the  pious 
for  glorifying  his  holy  name.  But  seeing  that  the  adversary 
is  perpetually  exciting  fresh  opposition,  and  that  the  matter 
itself  is  of  the  most  peculiar  and  difficult  undertaking,  to  al- 
lure men,  who  are  by  nature  addicted  to  falsehood,  to  a  peace- 
able submission  to  the  truth  of  God  ;  and  also  that  there  are 
other  causes  which  delay  this  progress,  especially  those  deep 
rooted  superstitions  of  Antichrist,  which  are  with  extreme 
labour  overcome  in  the  minds  of  many ;  it  appeared  to  me, 
that  you  personally  needed  to  be  confirmed  by  pious  exhor- 
tations in  this  so  arduous  undertaking  ;  and  I  doubt  not  but 
you  have  found  yourself  the  benefit  of  this  from  experience. 
I  shall  on  this  account  be  more  free  and  full  in  my  observa- 
tions. As  I  hope  that  my  advice  will  answer  your  wishes,  so 
I  conclude  that  you  will  take,  in  good  part,  my  exhortation  ; 
and  although  it  should  be  unnecessary,  yet  that  the  zeal  and 
solicitude  which  prompted  me  in  this  business  will  meet  with 
your  approbation.  Moreover,  the  present  perilous  situation 
of  affairs,  which  you  yourself  acknowledge,  furnishes  a  still 
stronger  reason,  why  my  endeavours  should  be  more  accepta- 
ble to  you.  Wherefore,  I  entreat  you,  most  noble  Lord,  to 
attend  patiently  to  the  few  remarks  which  I  have  determined 
to  submit  to  your  consideration.  I  hope  that,  in  return  for 
your  attention  to  them,  they  will  afford  you  that  assistance, 
which  will  enable  you  more  vigourously  to  pursue  the  holy 
work,  for  the  completion  of  which  God  is  pleased  to  use  you 
as  an  instrument.  I  doubt  not  but  that  those  great  tumults, 
which  have  occurred  for  some  time  past,  have  given  you  much 
trouble  and  anxiety,  especially  since  many  took  offence,  who 
were  provoked  in  a  great  measure  by  the  reformation  of  reli- 
ligion.  It  cajinot  be,  I  say,  but  that  the  observation  of  these 
things  must  excite  in  you  various  emotions,  whether  you  re- 
flect on  your  own  apprehenijions  about  them,  or  turn  your  at- 


S2S  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  lEXTfiRs. 

tention  to  the  clamours  of  the  wicked,  or  the  consterflation  of 
the  good.     This  rumour  spread  to  so  great  a  distance  deeply 
affected  me,  until  I  understood  that  assistance  from  the  Lord 
began  to  be  manifested.     But  since  that  fire  is  not  yet  extin- 
guished, and  it  is  an  easy  matter  for  the  adversary  again  to 
rekindle  it,  place  before  your  eyes  the  memorable  example  of 
the  pious  King  Hezekiah,  which  we  have  so  expressly  related 
to  us  in  the  scriptures.     Having  abolished  the  superstitions 
from  Judea,  and  established  the  pure  worship  of  God  ac- 
cording to  his  law,  he  was  suddenly  overtaken  with  so  op- 
pressive a  war,  that  he  was  considered  by  many  as  lost  and 
ruined  beyond   recovery.     Thus  the   scriptures  appositely 
bring  those  things  together,  that  while  he  was  wholly  enga- 
ged in  restoring  the  true  worship  of  God  to  its  place,  the  is- 
sue of  his  labour  was  in  appearance  most  unfavourable  to  him. 
He  evidently  had  every  reason  to  hope,  that  while  he  was  so 
heartily  engaged  in  building  up  God's  kingdom,  he  should  se- 
cure the  most  perfect  tranquility  of  his  own.    All  pious  Prin- 
ces, and  Governoui's  of  Provinces,  should  apply  this  example 
to  themselves,  that  they  may  proceed  more  courageously  in 
abolishing  all  idolatry,  and  in  procuring  lawfully  the  true 
worship  of  God,  as  their  duty  demands ;  and  moreover  that 
they  may  understand  that  their  faith  is  to  be  subjected  to 
similar  trials  through  many  temptations.     Thus  the  Lord 
permits,  indeed  thus  he  wills,  both  to  manifest  their  constan- 
cy, and  prepare  them  to  raise  their  eyes  above  this  world.     In 
the  mean  time,  the  adversary  will  thrust  himself  in  the  way ; 
and  though  unable  openly  to  destroy  the  true  doctrine,  he 
win  not  cease  to  plot  its  ruin  by  sophistry  and  cunning.     To 
this  purpose  is  the  admonition    of  James,  That  while  we 
observe  the  endurance  of  Job,  we  should  consider  the  end  of 
the  Lord.     In  the  same  manner,  terminated  the  trial  of  the 
pious  King  Hezekiah,  with  whom  the  Lord  was  present,  and 
hi  hip  greatest  ctraits  gave  him,  on  that  account,  a  far  more 


xflTTiiRS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  329 

signal  victory.  Wherefore,  since  his  hand  is  not  shortened, 
nor  his  support  of  the  truth  less  near  his  heart  than  in  for- 
mer ages,  you  must  not  despair  of  his  aid,  by  whatever  tem- 
pests you  may  be  tossed. 

That  the  greater  part  of  men  resist  the  Gospel,  and  direct 
all  their  exertions  to  prevent  its  progress,  should  l>e  no  mat- 
ter of  surprise.  Such,  indeed,  has  been  the  unceasing  ingra- 
titude of  the  world,  that  they  turn  their  backs  upon  God 
when  he  calls  them,  and  kick  against  him  when  he  purjTOses 
to  put  his  yoke  upon  them.  Men,  by  nature,  are  enslaved  to 
hypocrisy,  and  cannot  bear  to  be  brought  to  tlie  light  of 
the  Gospel,  which  would  reveal  their  pollution  and  guilt ; 
Bor  to  be  rescued  from  the  darkness  of  their  superstitions,  ua- 
der  the  shade  of  which  they  sleep  in  quiet  repose.  It  is  not 
a  new  thing  for  mankind  to  make  opposition,  when  the  at- 
tempt is  made  to  bring  them  ba?ck  to  the  obedience  and  wor- 
ship of  God.  We  should  not,  therefore,  be  negligent  or  timid 
in  the  discharge  of  our  duty.  For  when  they  have  gone  to  tlie 
extremes  of  disorder,  and  have  exhausted  their  rage,  they  are 
confounded  at  once,  and  necessarily  fall  by  their  own  extr.a- 
vagance.  As  it  respects  God,  surely  all  these  ragings  and 
foaraings  of  men  are  held  by  him  in  derision,  as  it  is  expresf- 
ed  in  the  second  Psalm.  Therefore,  winking  at  their  out- 
rages, he  will  be  silent,  as  if  he  treated  the  matter  with  in- 
difference ;  but  at  length  they  will  be  repressed  by  his  power. 
Armed  with  the  same  power,  we  shall  sustain,  by  his  invincible 
protection,  all  the  efforts  of  Satan  against  us ;  and  we  sliall, 
in  the  end,  perceive,  in  every  deed,  that  the  Gospel,  as  a 
messenger  of  peace,  brings  reconciliation  with  God,  and  tends 
to  establish  peace  among  men,  as  the  Lord  testiiies  by  Isaiah. 
When  the  kingdom  of  Christ  shall  be  established  by  his  in- 
struction, it  shall  come  to  pass,  thatjhey  shall  beat  their 
swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into  priming-hooks. 
Is.  ii.  4.     In  the  mean  time,  although  seditions  and  tumult?^ 


360  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letter*. 

excited  against  the  Gospel,  arise  from  the  wickedness  and 
obstinacy  of  men,  yet  it  becomes  us  to  look  to  ourselves,  and 
conclude,  that  God  is  thus  punishing  us  for  our  own  sins,  al- 
though it  is  evident,  that  he  uses  as  instruments  those  who 
are  the  very  servants  of  Satan.  It  is  an  old  objection,  that  the 
Gospel  was  the  cause  of  all  those  evils  which  afflict  the  hu- 
man race.  And  indeed  it  is  evident  from  history,  that  from 
the  time  in  which  the  Christian  religion  began  to  be  spread 
through  the  world,  there  was  scarcely  a  corner  which  was 
not  afflicted  with  extreme  evils.  The  constant  commotions 
of  wars  arose  like  some  conflagration,  by  which  all  things 
were  consumed  ;  floods  prevailing  on  the  one  hand,  and  on 
the  other  pestilence  and  famine  ;  here  the  end  of  all  go- 
vernment, and  there  the  inversion  of  all  order,  as  if  the  worlds 
absolutely  conspiring  against  itself,  was  broken  to  pieces  and 
dissolved.  The  same  has  happened  in  this  age,  since  the  Gos- 
pel began  to  come  forth  from  the  darkness  with  which  it  was 
covered.  The  face  of  things  exhibited  a  miserable  appear- 
ance ;  complaints  were  every  where  circulated,  that  we  were 
born  in  a  most  unhappy  period ;  and  there  were  few  who  did 
not  faint  under  so  great  a  pressure  of  difficulties.  But  while 
we  feel  these  wounds,  we  ought  to  advert  to  the  hand  that 
inflicts  them,  and  to  the  cause  of  their  infliction ;  what  this  is, 
is  by  no  means  obscure,  nor  difficult  to  be  perceived.  It  is 
certain,  that  the  word  of  God,  by  which  we  are  led  in  the 
way  of  salvation,  is  an  incomparable  treasure.  Let  us  then 
examine  it  ourselves,  with  as  much  reverence  as  it  is  offered 
to  us  by  its  author,  and  it  will  be  received  byf-us.  When 
that  is  accounted  vile  with  us,  which  with  him  is  of  great 
moment,  who  will  not  acknowledge,  that  it  is  perfectly  jiist 
with  him,  to  punish  in  return  our  ingratitude  ?  Let  us  hear 
th«  declaration  of  Christ,  Luke  xii.  47.  That  servant  which 
knew  his  Lord's  will  and  did  it  not,  shall  be  beaten  with  many 
stripes.     Since  therefore  we  are  so  negligent  in  obeying  th^ 


xETTEBfi.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  331 

will  of  God,  the  knowledge  of  which  is  an  hundred  fold  m«re 
abundant  with  us  than  in  former  ages,  it  should  not  appear 
strange,  that  his  indignation  should  be  more  vehemently  en- 
kindled against  us,  who  of  all  men  are  the  most  inexcusable. 
And  since  we  do  not  labour  to  have  the  good  seed  grow  and 
be  fruitful,  it  is  just  that  briars  and  thorns  should  lae  cherish- 
ed among  us  by  the  artifice  of  the  adversary,  by  the  prickings 
of  which  we  may  be  vexed.  And  lastly,  as  we  do  not  render 
to  the  Creator  that  which  is  justly  due  to  hhn  from  us,  it  is 
right  that  we  should  experience  the  obstinacy  of  men  against 
ourselves. 

Bui  to  address  myself  to  you  more  immediately.  Most 
noble  Lord,  there  are,  as  I  understand,  two  sorts  of  seditious 
persons,  who  have  risen  up  against  the  King,  and  the  go- 
vernment of  the  kingdom.  Some,  who  are  passionate  and 
hasty,  would  introduce  ara^iav,  confusion,  every  where  under 
the  name  of  the  Gospel ;  and  others  have  become  so  harden- 
ed in  the  superstitions  of  Antichrist,  that  they  cannot  endure 
their  removal.  Both  of  these  classes  deserve  to  be  restrained 
by  the  civil  power,  which  God  has  committed  to  your 
hands ;  since  they  rise  up  aot  only  against  the  King,  but 
against  God  himself,  who  has  placed  the  King  on  the  throne;, 
and  appointed  you  the  protector  of  his  person  and  JMajesty. 
Your  first  and  main  object  must  be  to  provide,  as  far  as  may 
be,  that  those  who  have  some  relish  for  the  Gospel,  and 
have  determined  to  devote  themselves  to  it,  may  receive  it 
with  humility  and  reverence  of  mind,  renouncing  their  own 
wills,  and,  as  their  duty  requires,  giving  up  themselves  en- 
tirely to  God.  For  thus  it  becomes  them  to  consider,  that 
the  Lord,  by  these  emergencies  would  awaken  them,  that 
they  may  profit  more  seriously  by  his  word  than  they  have 
hitherto  done.  Those  fanaticks,  who  .would  wish  to  change 
the  world  into  a  licentious  freedom,  are  expressly  raised  up 
by  Satan,  that  through  thera  the  gospel  may  be  reproached ; 


o32  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xetteAs. 

as  if  it  Mcve  the  cause  of  rebellion  against  rulers,  and  intro- 
duced into  the  world  unrestrained  licentiousness.     It  is  the 
duty  of  the  pkms  to  mourn  the  pernicious  labours  of  these 
wicked  men,  and  patiently  implore  of  the  Lord,  that  he 
Avould  send  that  light,   Avhich  will    sooner  or   later  most 
certainly  dissipate  this  darkness.     The  Papists,  while  they 
labour  to  defend  the  filtliiness  and  abominations  of  their 
Romish  idols,  betray  more  and  more  their  open  hatred  of  the 
benefits  of  Christ  and  all  his  commandments,  >vhich  extremely 
afRicts  those  who  have  a  particle  of  pure  zeal  remaining. 
Wherefore,  let  the  pious  acknowledge,  tlmt  these  things  are  ap- 
pointed of  God.as  so  many  scourges  to  chastise  them,  because 
they  do  not  bring  forth  the  legitimate  fruits  of  the  Gospel. 
Let  the  principal  and  only  expedient,  applied  to  quiet  these 
commotions,  be  the  true  conformity  to  the  image  of  Christ 
in  those  who  have  professed  his  name  ;  and  so  let  them  testi- 
-fy,  that  pm-e  Cluisiianity  abhors  all  confusion  of  every  kind. 
Let  t^em  prove,  by  their  uniform  modesty  and  temperance, 
that  they  are  governed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  they 
may  by  no  means  be  accounted  lawless  and  unruly.     Thus 
will   their  righteous  and  holy  life  shut  the  mouths  of  the 
impious.     The  Lord,  being  appealed,  will  remove  the  rod 
of  correction,  and  instead  of  the   punishment  which  he  in- 
flicts on  the  despisers  of  his  word,  he  will  follow  the  repent- 
ance of  his  people  with  the  most  assured  blessing.     It  be- 
comes the  Nobility  and  Magistrates  especially  to  be  first  in 
giving  this  example,  and  foremost  in  submitting,  with  fear 
and  reverence,  to  the  yoke  of  Christ,  the  Son  of  God  and 
supreme  Lord  of  all.     These,  I  say,  must  exhibit  the  sincere 
faith  and  obedience  of  body  and  of  soul,  that  he  may  in  re- 
turn repress  the  pride  and  rage  of  those,  who  unjustly  mag- 
nify themselves  against  their  rulers.     It  is  the  highest  con- 
cern of  the  Princes  of  this  age,  to  govern  their  subjects  in 
euch  a  manner,  as  to  prove  that  they  arc  themselves  in  sub- 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  333 

jection  to  Christ,  and  to  give  all  diligence,  that  his  authority 
may  extend  itself  over  all,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest. 
Wherefore,  I  ask  of  you,  most  noble  Lord,  through  Christ 
himself,  and  that  singular  affection  wiih  wliich  you  embrace 
the  kingdom  of  your  nephew,  which  is  exhibited  in  a  lumi- 
nous manner,  in  all  your  conduct,  to  exercise  all  your  com- 
bined influence  and  vigilance,  that  the  truth  of  God  may  be 
preached  with  the  fullest  authority  and  efficacy  ;  and 
that  fruits  worthy  of  the  celestial  seed  may  be  proiluced. 
That  this  may  be  effected,  witlihold  not  your  hand  from  pur- 
suing the  full  and  entire  reformation  of  the  Churcl),  whicli 
you  have  begun. 

That  you  may  mdre  easily  apprehend  my  tlioughts,  I  will 
reduce  the  whole  to  three  heads : — First,  concerning  tlie  true 
method  of  correctly  teaching  the  people.  Second,  concern- 
ing the  extirpation  of  those  abuses  \vhich  have  hitherto  been, 
retained.  Third,  concerning  the  correction  of  vices  most 
perfectly,  and  endeavouring  to  prevent  the  growth  of  scan- 
dals and  luxury,  on  account  of  which  the  name  of  the  Lord 
is  blasphemed.  As  it  respects  the  first  head,  there  is  no  oc- 
casion, that  I  should  dwell  long  upon  the  detail  of  doctrines. 
Concerning  these  there  is  much  reason  tliat  I  sliould  give 
thanks  to  God,  by  wbom  you  are  so  illuminated  in  the  know- 
ledge of  the  pure  doctrines,  that  you  take  care  that  these 
should  be  publickly  taught.  You  are  not,  I  say,  to  be  taught 
by  me,  the  faith  of  Christians,  and  the  doctrines  which  are 
maintained  by  them  ;  since  the  true  faith  has  been  restored 
and  published  by  you  in  a  raeetnig  of  the  Church.  But  if 
any  one  would  have  a  summary  of  the  worship  of  God,  it 
may  be  reduced  to  this- — That  we  have  one  God,  the  Go- 
vernour  of  our  consciences :  for  the  direction  of  these,  we 
must  make  use  of  his  law  alone  for  the  rule  of  devotion,  lest 
we  bring  to  his  worship  any  of  the  vain  traditions  of  men  ; 
he  must  moreover  be  worshipped  by  all,  according  to  his 


334  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  «,eiters. 

own  nature,  with  the  whole  mind  and  heart.  But  since 
there  is  nothing  in  us  except  a  miserable  corruption,  which 
occupies  both  our  senses  and  affections,  we  must  acknowledge 
that  entire  abyss  of  iniquity,  and  dread  it  when  acknow- 
ledged. In  this  manner,  having  obtained  a  true  knowledge 
of  our  state,  as  being  in  ourselves  broken,  wounded,  lost,  de- 
prived of  all  dignity  and  wisdom,  and  finally  of  any  power- 
to  do  good,  we  must  at  last  flee  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  only  fountain  of  all  blessings,  to  partake  of  whatever  he 
offers,  and  principally  that  incomparable  treasure  of  his  death 
and  passion,  by  which  method  alone  we  may  become  entire- 
ly reconciled  to  God  the  Father.  Purified  by  the  sprinkling 
of  his  blood,  we  shall  be  assured  that  none  of  those  stains 
will  remain  in  us,  which  would  cover  us  with  shame  before 
his  celestial  throne.  We  shall  be  persuaded  of  the  efficacy  of 
his  perpetual  sacrifice,  by  which  we  have  sealed  to  us  the 
gratuitous  remission  of  sins,  and  on  which  we  must  fasten  as 
the  refuge  and  anchor  of  salvation.  Being  sanctified  by  his 
Spirit,  we  shall  be  consecrated  in  obedience  to  the  righteous- 
ness of  God ;  and  confirmed  by  his  grace,  we  shall  come  off 
more  than  conquerors  over  Satan,  the  world  and  the  flesh. 
Being-  members  of  his  body,  we  shall  not  doubt  but  that 
God  will  number  us  in  the  family  of  his  children ;  and  we 
shall  address  him  with  entire  confidence  by  the  legitimate 
and  endearing  name  of  Father.  This  is  the  design  of  the 
true  doctrine,  which  is  ever  to  be  preserved  and  heard  by 
all  in  the  Church  of  God,  that  all  may  sincerely  aim  at  this 
inark ;  and  that  each  individual  gradually  withdrawing  him- 
self from  the  world  may  raise  himself  to  Christ  his  head, 
who  is  in  heaven,  by  perseverance,  prayer,  morals  and  ha- 
bits. 

But  as  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  spread  so  abundantly 
about  you  his  most  precious  light,  which  had  so  long  been  buri- 
ed under  the  darkness  of  Antichrist,  I  ^vill  add  but  a  few  words 


jLEffTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  335 

more.  What  I  have  said  only  pertains  to  the  form  6i  teach- 
ing, in  order  that  the  proper  method  of  instructing  the  peo- 
ple may  be  followed.  For  example,  they  must  be  pricked  to 
the  quick,  that  each  one  may  be  sensible  of  the  words  of  the 
Apostle,  the  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper 
than  any  two  edged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asun- 
der of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow ;  and  is 
a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart.  Heb.  iv.  12. 
This,  I  say,  I  inculcate  more  expressly,  because  I  fear  that 
there  are  but  few  lively  Preachers  in  the  kingdom ;  and  that 
the  greater  part  have  recourse,  in  rccitationis  modum,  to  the 
method  of  reading.  I  perceive  also  some  cause  of  that  scarci- 
ty among  you  ;  and  as  you  have  not  in  your  power  sound 
and  well  qualified  Pastors,  that  defect  must  be  supplied  in 
its  proper  manner.  You  must  also  beware  of  unstable  and 
I'ash  men,  who,  in  a  change  of  things,  are  carried  far  beyond 
all  bounds,  and  prate  forth  their  own  dreams  for  the  word  of 
God.  Nothing  of  this  kind  should  hinder  the  establishment 
of  the  institution  of  Christ  for  preaching  the  Gospel.  The  in- 
stituted preaching  must  not  be  dead,  but  animated,  and  ti- 
iectudil  for  instruction,  exhortation  and  reproof,  as  the  Apos- 
tle testifies  to  Timothy,  2d  Tim.  iii.  so  that  if  an  unbeliever 
enter  the  meeting  of  the  faithful,  it  should  aflfect  him,  in  sucli 
a  manner  that,  pierced  by  the  hearing  of  the  word,  he  may 
give  glory  to  God,  as  the  same  Apostle  elsewhere  shews, 
1.  Cor.  xiv — You  cannot  be  ignorant  of  what  this  Apostle 
teaches  concerning  the  power  and  energy,  which  those  should 
possess,  who  are  desirous  to  approve  themservcs,  as  sound  and 
well  qualified  Ministers  of  the  word.  He  Avould  have  them 
free  from  those  ornaments,  and  that  species  of  eloquence,  by 
which  men  display  themselves,  for  admiration,  in  the  thea- 
tre. In  their  discourses,  the  power  of  the  Spirit  should  so  lu- 
cidly manifest  itself,  as  to  act  powerfully  on  the  minds  of  th»; 
audience*    No  precaution  should  be  used,  to  prevent  thai 


336  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xetters. 

Spirit  from  maintaining  its  liberty  and  constant  vigour  in  the 
Ministry  of  those  whom  the  Lord  has  endowed  with  his 
gifts,  for  the  edification  of  his  Church.  It  is  indeed  necessary 
to  watch  over  those  unstable  and  wandering  minds, 
who  would  take  too  much  liberty  to  themselves.  The 
door  must  be  shut  against  curious  innovations.  The  only 
means  to  be  used  for  this  purpose,  is  to  have  a  sum- 
mary of  doctrine  received  by  all,  which  they  may  follow  in 
preaching.  To  the  observance  of  this,  all  Bishops  and  Cler- 
gy should  be  bound  by  oath,  that  no  one  might  be  admitted 
to  the  ecclesiastical  officcj  unless  he  promises  to  keep  inviolate 
the  unity  of  doctrine.  Let  there,  besides,  be  published  a 
plain  formula  or  Catechism,  for  the  use  of  children,  and  those 
who  may  be  more  ignorant  among  the  people.  Thus  the 
truth  will  be  rendered  more  familiar  to  them  ;  and  at  the 
same  tmie  they  will  learn  to  distinguish  it  from  impostures 
and  corruptions,  w  hich  are  so  apt  to  creep  in  by  little  and  lit- 
tie  upon  the  ignorant  and  careless.  It  becomes  you  to  be 
fully  persuaded,  that  the  Church  of  God  cannot  be  without  a 
Catechism  ;  for  therein  the  true  seed  of  doctrine  is  to  be  con- 
tained, from  Avhicli  at  length  the  pure  and  seasonable  harvest 
w  ill  be  matured,  and  from  this  the  seed  may  be  multiplied 
abundantly.  Wherefore,  if  you  expect  to  build  an  edifice  of 
this  kind,  which  shall  stand  long,  and  be  safe  from  destruction, 
give  all  care  that  each  child  should  be  instructed  in  tJie  faith, 
])y  the  Catechism  published  for  that  purpose  ;  that  they  may 
learn  briefly,  and  as  their  capacities  will  admit,  in  what  con- 
sists true  Christianity.  The  usefulness  of  the  Catechism  will 
not  be  confined  merely  to  the  instruction  of  children.  The 
consequence  will  also  be,  that  the  people,  being  taught  by  it^ 
w  ill  be  Ijetter  prepared  to  profit  by  the  ordinary  preaching 
of  the  word  ;  and  also  if  any  one  puffed  up,  should  introduce 
any  new  opinions,  he  may  be  detected  by  an  immediate  ap- 
peal to  the  rulf  of  the  Catechism.     As  to  the  formula  of 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  33r 

prayers  and  ecclesiastical  ceremonies,  I  very  much  approve, 
that  a  proper  one  should  exist,  from  which  the  Pastors  should 
not  be  permitted  to  vary,  in  the  exercise  of  their  office ;  and 
which  might  consult  the  simplicity  and  ignorance  of  some 
persons,  and  also  establish  a  more  certain  agreement  of  all  the 
Churches  among  themselves.  This  would,  moreover,  put  a 
check  upon  the  instability  and  levity  of  those  persons,  who 
might  attempt  innovations,  and  it  vt  ould  have  the  same  ten- 
dency as  I  have  before  shown  the  Catechism  would  have. 
Thus  ought  to  be  established  a  Catechism,  the  administra- 
tion of  the  sacraments,  and  the  publick  formula  of  prayers. 
But  the  expediency  of  this  polity  in  the  Church  must  not 
tend  to  prevent  or  diminish,  in  any  manner,  the  origin- 
al energy  of  preaching  the  Gospel.  As  to  this,  it  is  the 
more  incumbent  upon  you,  to  provide  proper  and  zealous 
Preachers,  who  may  penetrate  the  recesses  of  the  heart  by 
the  sound  of  the  word  of  the  Gospel.  For  there  is  danger, 
that  the  fruit  of  the  Reformation  now  begun  will  be  greatly 
diminished,  unless  attended  with  the  most  efficacious  and 
zealous  preaching  of  the  word.  It  is  not  in  vain  said  of 
Christ,  He  shall  smite  the  earth  nith  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and 
rvith  the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  he  slay  the  wicked.  Is.  xi.  4. 
This  is  doubtless  the  true  means,  by  which  he  conquers  us, 
when  by  the  power  of  his  word  he  destroys  and  casts  out 
whatever  in  us  is  repugnant  to  his  glory.  Hence  the  Gospel 
is  called  the  kingdom  of  God.  Wherefore,  though  the  edicts 
and  civil  establishments  of  Christian  Princes  are  of  great 
weight,  in  promoting  and  confirming  the  authority  of  Chris- 
tianity, yet  God  has  determined,  in  an  appropriate  manner, 
to  exert  his  special  power,  by  the  spiritual  sword  of  his  word, 
which  he  has  committed  to  the  Pastors  to  be  handled  in  the 
Church. 

I  proceed  to  the  second  head,  concerning  the  abolishing 
and  rooting  out  entirely  of  the  abuses  and  corruptions,  intf  o- 

4r3 


^38  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^isIter^. 

duced  by  Satari)  in  former  ages  into  thfe  Church  of  God.  It 
is  evident,  that  the  Christianity  of  Papacy  is  spurious  and 
counterfeit ;  and  will  be  condemned  in  the  judgment  of  God 
at  the  last  day,  as  it  is  so  manifestly  repugnant  to  his  word. 
If  it  is  your  intention  to  withdraw  the  people  from  this  gulph, 
you  must  follow  the  example  of  the  Apostle.  In  treating  of 
the  restoration  of  the  Lords'e  Supper  to  its  proper  use,  he  en- 
joins them  to  be  united  in  removing  those  additions  which 
had  crept  in  among  them :  /  have  received^  he  says,  of  the 
Lord  that  7vMck,  also,  I  delivered  unto  you.  1  Cor.  xi.  ^^. 
Hence  we  may  deduce  this  general  principle,  that  when  we 
enter  upon  a  lawful  reformation,  which  may  be  acceptable  to 
God,  we  must  adhere  to  his  pure  and  uncorrupted  word ; 
for  all  those  mixtures,  engendered  in  the  human  mind  which 
remain,  will  be  so  many  manifest  pollutions,  tending  to  with- 
draw men  from  the  right  use  of  those  things,  which  God  has 
instituted  for  their  salvation.  Religion  cannot  be  said  to  be 
restored  to  its  purity,  while  this  sink  of  pollution  is  only 
partially  draAvn  oiF,  and  a  frightful  form  of  Christianity  is 
embraced  for  the  pure  and  original  faith.  I  speak  thus  defi- 
nitely, as  I  understand  that  many  think  far  otherwise ;  that 
abuses  must  be  tolerated,  and  untouched,  while  they  would 
only  direct  the  grossest  corruptions  to  be  removed.  In  op- 
position to  this,  experience  teaches,  that  the  human  mind  is 
a  soil  fertile  in  false  inventions,  and  that  when  sowed  even 
with  the  smallest  grain,  as  if  all  its  powers  combined,  it  yields 
an  immense  increase.  The  method  which  the  scripture 
points  out  is  far  different  David,  speaking  of  idols,  said,  / 
Kill  not  even  take  up  their  names  into  my  lips,  Psal.  xvi.  4, 
that  he  might  show  how  odious  they  were  to  him.  When  ^ve 
reflect  how  grievously  we  have  sinned  against  God  in  this 
manner,  by  remaining  in  ignorance,  we  ought  to  be  the  more 
deeply  impressed,  with  the  necessity  of  removing  our  stand- 
fng  as  far  as  possible  from  all  the  fermentations  of  Satan. 


iJEiTEas.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  339 

What  else  were  all  those  ceremonies,  but  so  many  allure- 
ments to  entice  and  ensnare  the  miserable  souls  of  men  in  evil ; 
as  if  they  were  established  for  this  very  purpose  ?  AVhen  Me 
speak  concerning  caution,  men  must  certainly  be  admonished, 
lest  they  dash  against  those  rocks  which  the  sins  of  their  past 
life  have,  in  this  respect,  disclosed  to  them.  Who  does  not 
see,  unless  wholly  hardened,  that  nothing  cajn  be  obtained  by 
this  unhappy  caution  ?  Whatever  of  this  nature  is  left  un- 
touched will  operate  like  a  strong  leaven,  to  confirm  them 
more  resolutely  in  the  evil,  and  serve  as  an  interposing  veil, 
to  prevent  the  reception  of  the  proposed  doctrines,  according 
to  their  purity  and  importance.  I  confess  readily,  that  there 
should  be  moderation  ;  and  that  extremes  in  reforming  cere- 
monies would  not  be  useful.  Nor  is  too  much  simplicity  to 
be  adopted,  as  the  order  of  worship  is  to  be  accommodated 
to  the  benefit  and  capacity  of  the  people.  But  I  am  not 
less  decided  in  aJfii'ming,  that  strict  attention  is  to  be  given, 
lest,  under  this  pretext  of  expediency,  any  of  the  inven- 
tions of  Satan  or  Antichrist  should  be  tolerated.  Those 
expressioias  of  scripture,  in  the  history  of  many  of  the  Kings 
of  Judah,  are  here  in  point,  That  nhen  they  took  arvtiy  the 
idols,  they  did  not  cut  them  off  wholly  by  the  roots.  They  Mere 
condenuied  because  they  did  not  altogether  destroy  those 
high  places,  which  we  should  call  Chapels,  dedicated  to  their 
foolish  devotions. 

Since,  therefore,  most  noble  Lord,  God  has  cond-ucted  you 
thus  far,  endeavour,  I  beseech  you,  to  deserve  the  name  of 
the  Reformer  of  his  true  Church ;  and  to  render  this  age, 
under  the  King  your  nephew,  correspondent  to  the  age  of 
the  most  pious  Josiah.  Take  heed  to  have  every  thing  in  re- 
ligion established  in  its  proper  place,  so  that  the  King  may 
have  no  other  sohcitude  but  to  preserve  the  well  regulated 
order.  I  will  produce  one  example  of  those  corruptions 
which,  like  leaven,  will,  in  some  measure,  sour  the  whole  ser- 


310  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  jletters. 

vice  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  understand,  that  with  you,  in 
the  celebration  of  the  Eucharist,  prayers  for  the  dead  are  re- 
cited. I  am  not  however  sufficiently  informed,  that  this  is 
designed  as  an  approbation  of  the  Popish  purgatory.  Nor 
am  I  ignorant,  that  the  ancient  custom  of  making  mention  of 
tlie  dead,  to  declare  the  communion  of  all  believers  in  one 
body,  may  be  adduced  as  a  vindication  of  it.  But  this  in- 
vincible argument  remains,  that  the  Supper  of  the  Lord  is 
so  wholly  an  ordinance  that  it  is  a  crime  to  pollute  it  by  any 
additions  of  men.  Besides,  when  we  call  upon  God,  we  are 
not  to  indulge  our  own  passions,  but  to  follow  the  rule  of  the 
Apostle,  that  the  word  of  God  he  our  foundation.  Rom.  x. 
But  that  commemoration  of  the  dead,  which  embraces  a 
veneration  or  commendation  of  them,  does  not  correctly  answer 
to  the  true  and  legitimate  institution  of  prayer  ;  and  is  there- 
fore an  assumentum,  addition,  which  should  not  be  allowed  at 
the  Lord's  Supper.  There  are  some  other  things  perhaps 
not  equally  to  be  condemned,  but  of  such  a  nature  as  can- 
not be  excused,  as  the  Chrism,  and  the  ceremony  of  Unction.^ 
The  Chrism  is  indeed  the  frivolous  invention  of  those  who, 
through  igaorance,  were  not  contented  with  the  institutions 
of  tlje  Lord,  and  mIio  persuaded  themselves,  that  the  holy 
Spirit  must  be  represented  in  baptism  by  the  use  of  oil,  as  if 
the  sign  of  water  was  not  sulikient  for  that  purpose.     Ex^ 

*  Chrism— Oil  consecrated  by  the  Bishop  and  used  in  the  Romish  Church 
in  thie  administration  of  baptism,  confirmation,  ordination  and  extreme  unc- 
tjion.  This  hist  is  called,  in  that  Church,  a  sacrament ;  and  the  oil  is  applied 
to  the  eyes,  ears,  nostrils.,  mouth,  hands,  feet,  &c.  of  persons  supposed  to  be 
near  death.  When  the  oil  is  applied  to  those  parts,  this  prayer  is  used. 
By  tlijs  holy  unction,  and  his  own  most  pious  mercy,  may  the  Almighty  God 
forgive  thee  whatever  sins  thou  hast  committed,  by  the  eyes,  by  the  hear- 
ing, smelling,  tasting,  &€.  &c.  It  is  not  considered  so  essential  to  salvation 
as  baptism,  and  is  not  administered  to  children  who  are  not  capable  of  ac- 
tual sin.  Lexici  Theologici  novi,  he.  p.  1756  and  1757  By  this,  the  spirit- 
ual  infirmities  and  actual  sins  are  supposed  to  be  taken  away,  as  original 
■sin  is  by  baptism. 


lETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  1341 

treme  Unction  emanated  from  the  inconsiderate  zeal  of  those, 
who  were  desirous  of  emulating  the  Apoetles,  although  not  en- 
dowed with  the  gift,  which  they  possessed.     ^\Tien  the  Apos- 
tles made  use  of  oil,  in  healing  the  sick,  il  was  for  the  pur- 
pose of  testifying  the  miracle  of  the  cure  by  that  visible  sign. 
But  when  the  gift  of  miraculous  powers  ceased,  the  use  of 
that  external  anointing  should  also  have  been  laid  aside. 
All  those  things  should  be  abolished  at  once,  that  nothing 
might  be  imposed  on  the  Church  of  God,  which  is  not  con- 
formable to  his  word,  and  which  would  not  appertain  to  its 
edification.     But  so  it  is,  the  weak  must  be  indulged,  that 
they  may  be  confirmed  by  degrees,  and  advanced  to  more 
excellent  things.     However,  the  work  of  reformation  is  not 
to  be  delayed,  to  satisfy  the  foolish  in  things  which  may 
please  their  fancy,  rmless  supported  by  other  substantial  rea- 
sons.    I  know  that  many  have  been  prevented  from  proceed- 
ing farther  in  this  work  from  these  considerations ;  that  they 
feared  a  greater  change  would  not  be  borne ;   and  that  re- 
spect must  be  had  to  the   progress  which  others  had  made, 
with  whom  peace  was  to  be  cherished  by  pa,ssing  over  many 
things.      This  should  certainly  have  an  influence  in    the 
affairs  of  this  life,  in  which  we  are  permitted  to  give  up  our 
own  rights,  so  far  as  the  desire  and  love  of  peace  demand. 
But  the  rule  will  not  hold  as  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church, 
which  is  spiritual,  and  in  Mhich  nothing  is  lawful  that  is  not 
according  to  the  word  of  God.     It  is  not  at  the  pleasure  of 
any  mortal,   to  conform  thmgs,  in  this  business,  to  gratify 
some  and  favour  others,  in  opposition  to  the  will  of  God. 
Nothing  is  more  displeasing  to  him,  than  that  human  pru- 
dence should  presume  to  oppose  its  calculations,  either  to 
moderate,  abolish  or  retract  any  thing  in  religion,  diJierent 
from  what  his  sovereign  pleasure  demands.     Unless  then  \re 
are  willing  to  displease  him,  we  must  shut  our  eyes  at  once 
against  all  the  desires  of  the  flpsh.     And  as  to  the  dangers. 


M2  LIFE  Of  CALVIiN.  L£,txer^. 

which  may  appear  to  threatfin  us,  we  must  labour  to  avoid 
them  as  much  as  in  us  lies,  in  that  way  onJy  which  is  lawful 
and  right.     The  promise  of  the  Lord  is,  that  he  will  be  pre- 
sent  with   us,  while  we  press  forward  in   the  right  path. 
This  one  thing  remains,  that  we  strenuously  discharge  our 
duties,  and  commit  the  event  to  him.     The  only  reason  why 
the  wise  men  of  this  world  are  so  often  frustrated,  in  thei? 
expectations,  is  that  the  Lord  departs  from  them,  masmuch" 
as  they  distrust  his  aid,  and  turn  themselves  to  those  artful 
jneans  which  God  does  not  approve.     If  we  would  have  the 
power  of  God  to  protect  us,  let  us  uprightly  follow  what  he 
commands ;  and  especially  we  must  lay  down   this  funda- 
mental principle,  that  the  reformation  of   the  Church  is  the 
peculiar  work  of  his  hands ;  and  that  men,  in  all  their  en- 
deavours, should  give  themselves  up  to  be  governed  entirely 
by  him.     And  wliat  is  of  more  consideration,  is  that  the 
Lord  commonly,   both   in    reforming   and  preserving  his 
Church,  works  in  a  manner,  which  attracts  admiration  by 
wholly  surpassing  all  human  apprehension.     He  will  there- 
fore, on  no  account,   permit  the  work  of  the  reformation  of 
the  Church,  to  be  conducted  after  the  model  of  our  under- 
standings, or  that  what  is  heavenly  should  be  composed  af- 
ter the  form  of  the  wisdom  of  this  world.     I  would  not,  how- 
gyer,  exclude  that  upright  prudence,  the  use  of  which  is  of 
great  importance  in  this  business,  lest  improper  methods  be 
adopted,  and  the  preponderance  be  too  great  on  the  one  hand 
or  the  other,  even  while  Ave  all  might  wish  to  benefit  the 
cause.     But  I  would  have  religious  concerns  directed  by  the 
prudence  of  the  spirit,  and  not  of  the  flesh ;   that  we  should 
enquire  at  the  jnouth  of  the  Lord,  pray  that  om*  under- 
standings may  he  guided  by  his  commands,  and  that  he 
ulone  would  lead  and  direct  us  in  all  things.     In  doing  this, 
we  shall  easily  destroy  the  various  temptations  which  rai^ht 
delay  us  in  the  midst  of  our  course. 


tETTEka.  LIFE  OF  CALTlN.  S4S 

Therefore,  most  noble  Lord,  as  you  have  happily  entered 
upon  the  entire  restoration  of  the  Christian  religion,  in  the 
kingdom  of  England,  not  depending  on  your  own  strength, 
but  on  the  powerful  hand  of  God,  who  has  hitherto  strength- 
ened and  wonderfully  established  you,  so  determine  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  same  confidence.  And  certainly,  since  the 
Lord  supports,  by  his  Providence,  so  many  kingdoms  which 
oppose  him,  he  A^ill  much  more  reg<ird  those  which  are 
rooted  in  him,  and  desire  with  all  their  efforts  to  take  him 
for  their  supreme  Lerd. 

I  proceed  to  the  third  head,  concerning  suppressing  vices 
and  preventing  scandals.  I  doubt  not  but  that  you  have 
correct  laws  and  commendable  regulations,  adapted  to  pre- 
serve the  people  in  good  morals.  But  the  great  «Ta|<a,  con- 
fusion, which  I  observe  in  the  world,  compels  me  to  address 
you  on  this  subject  also ;  that  you  may  apply  yourself  to 
such  measures  as  may  hold  the  cormnunity  in  subjection  to 
good  and  honourable  discipline.  In  the  first  place,  you 
should  maintain  the  honour  of  God,  in  punishing  those  crimes, 
the  prosecution  of  which,  with  men,  is  usually  accounted  un- 
necessary. For  whUe  theft,  murder  and  robber^/  are  most 
severely  punished,  because  they  tend  to  injure  men,  for?n  ca- 
tion, aduUery,  drimkenncs  and  blasphemies  of  the  name  of  God, 
are  justified  as  things  allowable,  or  not  deserving  great  seve- 
rity. But  God  has  pronounced  far  otherwise  concerning 
these  things.  He  shows  how  precious  his  name  is  hi  his  sight, 
while  it  is  cast  out  and  trodden  under  foot  m  ith  men.  Nor 
can  it  be,  that  he  will  permit  such  horrid  wickedne^  to  go 
longer  unpunished.  We  learn  from  the  scripture,  that  for  a 
single  reproach  against  God,  of  the  profane  Kings  Beiihadad 
and  Sennacherib,  a  dreadful  judgment  from  him  almost  wholly 
overwhelmed  both  them  and  their  armies.  As  it  respects 
adultery,  what  a  shame  it  is,  that  wt,  who  bear  the  name  of 
Christians,  should  be  far  more  indifferent  in  punishing  it  than 


344)  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  betters, 

the  Pagans  themselves ;  and  that  crimes  of  this  kind  should 
be  passed  over  with  a  jest.  Is  the  sacred  miion  of  mar- 
riage, the  living  image  of  our  most  holy  miioa  with  the  Son 
of  God,  to  be  thus  trifled  with  and  polluted  with  impunity  ? 
Shall  the  most  indissoluble  of  all  human  contracts  be  so  per- 
fidiously violated  ?  Besides,  fornication,  if  we  regard  the 
Apostle,  is  to  be  accounted  as  sacrilege,  since  our  bodies,  which 
are  the  temples  of  God,  being  thus  manifestly  polluted,  are 
most  basely  cut  off  from  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  from  Christ 
himself.  Hence  he  adds,  that  fornicators  and  drunkards  do 
not  belong  to  the  kingdom  of  God  ;  and  expressly  interdicts 
believers,  from  all  commerce  with  them.  From  this  it  fol- 
lows, that  such  persons  ought  by  no  means  to  be  tolerated  in 
the  Church  of  God.  If  these  evils  are  wholly  passed  over, 
they  will  draw  down  the  divine  scourge,  with  which  the 
whole  earth  is  shaken ;  for  A\'hen  it  is  so,  that  men  pardon 
one  another  such  enormous  crimes,  they  summon  against 
themselves  the  \indictive  hand  of  God.  If  you  wish,  my 
Lord,  to  avert  the  wrath  of  God,  I  beseech  you  to  give  the 
most  attentive  eare,  on  your  part,  to  suppress  the  commission 
of  these  sms ;  and  to  cause  that  those  who  profess  Christianity 
may  express  and  demonstrate  the  integrity  of  their  profes- 
sion, by  a  course  of  life  correspondent  to  their  holy  vocation. 
For  as  the  doctrine  is  like  the  soul  to  animate  the  Church,  so 
discipline  and  the  correction  of  vices  ought  to  hold  the 
place  of  those  nerves,  which  cherish  and  preserve  the  body 
pure  and  vigorous.  The  Bishops  and  Curates  should  be 
especially  attentive,  lest  the  Lord's  Supper  be  polluted,  by 
the  admission  of  those  ^sho  are  in  ill  repute  on  account  of 
their  scandalous  lives.  But  it  is  above  all  your  duty,  since 
God  has  raised  you  to  your  station,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
care,  that  all  the  subjects,  each  one  in  his  place  and  calling, 
apply  their  labours,  and  fulfil  their  respective  duties,  that 
tire  ef^tablished  ordej  may  be  legitimately  preserved. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  345 

I  will  not,  my  Lord,  extend  the  prolixity  of  my  letter,  by 
excuses,  nor  by  asking  your  pardon,  for  the  freedom  with 
which  I  have  opened  to  you  the  sentiments  of  my  heart. 
Your  prudence  will  discern  the  sincerity  of  my  intentions, 
and  your  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  will  enable  you,  with  fa- 
cility, to  ascertain  the  source  from  which  I  have  drawn  the 
preceding  advice.  I  have  no  apprehension,  that  you  will  be 
disgusted,  or  account  me  too  importunate,  for  having  shown, 
as  clearly  as  my  slender  capacity  would  allow,  my  affection- 
ate desire  that  you  may  extensively  glorify  the  name  of  God. 
For  this  I  supplicate  him  ddAlj,  and  entreat  him,  that  he 
would  enrich  you  with  his  accumulated  gifts ;  confirm  you  by 
his  Holy  Spirit  with  true  and  invincible  constancy ;  protect  and 
support  you  against  all  adversaries ;  cover  you  and  yours  with 
his  shield ;  and  so  prosper  your  adiftinistration,  that  the  King- 
may  have  reason  to  celebrate  his  praise  for  having  provided, 
in  his  tender  years,  so  able  a  Protector  of  himself  and  his 
kingdom.  I  close  my  letter,  most  humbly  wishing  you 
health  and  prosperity. 

Your  Excellency's  most  devoted, 

JOHN  CALVIN, 

Geneva,  October  22, 1548. 

LETTER  XXXV. 

Calvin  to  MelaIJcithon. 

It  was  a  saying  of  the  ancient  Satirists,  Si  rmtum  negat, 
facit  indignatio  versum,  If  nature  refuses,  sorrow  will  make 
verses.  It  turns  out  far  otherwise  with  me.  ]\Iy  present 
grief  is  so  far  from  giving  me  animation,  that  it  almost 
makes  me  speechless.  Not  only  the  power  of  utterance  fails 
me,  in  expressing  the  feelings  of  my  mind,  but  I  am  oppress- 
ed, and  almost  silenced  by  the  consideration  of  the  subject 

44 


346  LIFE  OF  CALVIxX.  xeixers. 

concerning  which  I  am  about  to  write.  You  must  then  im- 
agine me  rather  to  sigh  than  to  speak.  How  greatly  the  ad- 
versaries of  Christ  rejoice  at  your  controversy  with  the  Mag- 
deburgenses,^  is  too  evident  from  their  mockery  and  sneers. 
Those  writers  certainly  afford  a  foul  and  detestable  spectacle 
to  God,  and  his  Angels,  and  to  the  whole  Church.  In  this 
business,  ray  Philip,  even  if  you  were  without  fault,  it  would 
be  the  duty  of  your  prudence  and  equity,  to  devise  some  re- 
medy to  heal  the  evil,  or  at  least  to  afford  some  relief  for 
mitigating  its  severity.  But  pardon  me,  if  I  do  not  wholly 
exculpate  you  from  blame.  From  this,  you  may  be  able  to 
conjecture,  how  severe  judgments  others  pass  upon  you,  and 
what  unfavourable  and  scandalous  observations  they  make 
about  you.  Permit  me,  therefore,  my  Philip,  to  perform  the 
duty  of  a  true  friend,  in  freely  admonishing  you ;  and  if  I 
deal  with  you  somewhat  more  sharply,  do  not  impute  it  to 
a  diminution  of  my  former  respect  and  affection  for  you. 
Although  that  will  nbt  be  strange  or  unusual  t©  you,  I  am, 
however,  more  apt  to  offend  by  a  rustick  simplicity,  than  to 
use  adulation  in  favour  of  any  man.  I  have  experienced  that 
nothing  is  more  acceptable  to  you  than  ingenuousness,  and 
therefore  I  labour  under  less  anxiety,  lest  you  should  take 
it  ill,  even  if  any  thing  should  justly  displease  you,  in  my 
reproof.  I  wish,  indeed,  that  all  your  conduct,  without 
exception,  could  be  approved  of  by  me  and  others.  But  I 
accuse  you  now  to  your  face,  that  I  may  not  be  obliged 
to  assent  to  the  declarations  of  those  who  condemn  you  in 
your  absence.  This  is  the  sum  of  your  defence,  Modo  re- 
tineatur  doctrhice  puritas,  de  rebus  externis  non  esse  pertina- 

*  Matthias  Flacius  lUyricus  left  Wittemberg,  and  went  to  Magdeburg,  in 
April,  1549,  where  he  began  writing  against  the  Wittemberg  Divines  (Me- 
lancthon,  &c.).  This  was  the  first  introduction  to  that  religious  war,  which, 
opened  the  door  for  many  evils,  the  termination  of  which,  says  Bucholtzer. 
in  1610,  we  have  not  yet  seen.    Bucholtzfcr  Clu'onologia,  anno  1549. 


iBTTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  UT 

citer  dimicandu7n,  Only  let  the  purity  of  doctrine  be  preserv- 
ed^ and  ne  nill  not  pertinaciously  contend  about  external  forms. 
Now,  if  what  is  every  where  asserted  for  fact  is  true,  you 
extend  neutral  and  indifferent  things  much  too  far.  You 
know  that  the  worship  of  God  is  corrupted  a  thousand  ways 
among  the  Papists.  "W'e  have  removed  the  most  intolerable 
corruptions.  Now,  the  impious,  that  they  may  finish  their 
triumph  over  the  subjected  Gospel,  command  them  to  be  re- 
stored. If  any  one  refuses  to  admit  them,  will  you  ascribe 
it  to  obstinacy  ?  It  is  well  known  how  far  this  would  be 
from  your  moderation.  If  you  have  yielded  too  much  for 
accommodation,  you  cannot  be  surprised  if  many  impute  it 
to  you  for  a  fault.  Besides,  some  of  tho^e  things,  which  you 
account  indifferent^  are  manifestly  opposed  to  the  word  of 
God.  Perhaps  others  urge  some  things  Avith  too  much  pre- 
cision ;  and,  as  is  usual  in  controversies,  represent  others  as 
odious,  in  which  there  is  not  so  much  evil.  But,  if  I  under- 
stand any  thing  of  divine  truth,  you  have  yielded  too  much 
to  the  Papists  ;  both  because  you  have  loosened  those  things 
which  the  Lord  has  bound  by  his  word,  and  because  you 
have  given  them  an  opportunity  perversely  to  insult  the  Gos- 
pel. When  circumcision  was  still  allowable,  do  you  see  Paul, 
because  some  malicious  and  cunning  men  had  laid  snares  for 
the  liberty  of  the  pious,  obstinately  denying  that  that  cere- 
mony was  given  to  them  of  God  ?  Does  he  not,  therefore, 
boast  that  he  had  not  yielded  to  them,  even  for  an  hour, 
that  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  might  remain  entire  with  the 
Gentiles  ?  Gal.  ii.  4,  5.  Our  adversaries  do  not,  at  this  day, 
Rouble  us  about  circumcision ;  but,  lest  they  should  leave 
us  any  thing  sound,  they  endeavour  to  infect,  \vith  their  jwl- 
luted  leaven,  all  the  doctrines  and  exercises  of  religion.  You 
say  that  the  Magdeburgenses  contend  only  concerning  the  li- 
nen robe.  To  what  this  might  tend,  I  do  not  know,  for  the 
use  of  the  linen  robe,  with  many  foolish  ceremonies,  has 


348  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xettjirs. 

been,  I  conceive,  retained  hitherto,  both  among  yourselves^ 
and  among  them.  But  it  is  true  that  all  honest  and  reh- 
gious  persons  complain,  that  you  have  countenanced  those 
gross  corruptions,  which  evidently  tend  to  vitiate  the  purity 
of  the  doctrines,  and  to  weaken  the  stability  of  the  Church. 
As,  perhaps,  you  have  forgotten  what  I  formerly  said  to  you, 
I  will  now  recall  it  to  your  mind.  That  ink  is  too  dear  to 
us,  if  we  hesitate  to  testify  those  things  by  our  handrwritingy 
which  so  many  martyrs,  from  the  common  jlock,  daily  seal  with 
their  blood.  I  said,  indeed,  the  same,  when  we  appeared  to 
be  much  farther  from  these  assaults.  Since,  tlien,  the  Lord 
has  drawn  us  out  on  the  field  of  battle,  it  becomes  us  to 
contend  th?  more  courageously.  Your  station,  you  know, 
is  different  from  that  of  most  others.  The  trepidation  of  a 
General,  or  the  leader  of  an  army,  is  more  ignominious  than 
even  the  flight  of  common  soldiers.  All  will  condemn  the 
wavering  of  so  great  a  man  as  you  ai'e,  as  insufferable. 
Give,  therefore,  in  future,  a  steady  example  of  invincible 
constancy.  By  yielding  a  little,  you  have  excited  more  com- 
plaints and  lamentations,  than  the  open  desertion  of  an  hun- 
dred, in  an  inferior  station,  would  have  produced.  Although 
I  am  firmly  persuaded,  that  you  would  never  be  compelled, 
by  the  fear  of  death,  to  turn  aside  in  the  least  from  an  up- 
right com'se ;  yet  I  suspect  that  possibly  another  kind  of 
fear  might  exercise  your  mind.  For  I  know  how  much  you 
dread  the  impeachment  of  barbarous  harshness.  But  you 
should  remember,  that  the  servants  of  Christ  should  never 
regard  their  reputation  more  than  their  lives.  We  are  not 
better  than  Paul,  who  proceeded  quietly  through  reproach 
and  dishonour.  It  is,  indeed,  severe  and  painful,  to  be 
judged  as  obstinate  and  tempestuous  men,  who  would  ivreck 
the  whole  w  orld,  rather  than  condescend  to  some  modera- 
tion. Your  ears  should  long  since  have  become  seasoned  io 
these  reproaclws.     You  are  not  so  unknown  to  me,  nor  am 


jLETiEBs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  349 

I  so  unjust  to  you,  as  to  suppose  that  you  are  eager,  like 
ambitious  men,  for  popular  applause.  I  doubt  not,  howev- 
er, but  that  you  are  sometimes  discouraged  by  reflections 
like  these  ; — What  I — Is  it  the  part  of  a  prudent  and  consi- 
derate man,  to  divide  the  Church  on  account  of  some  mimdtf 
,  and  almost  frivolous  things  ?  I^ay  not  peace  be  redeemed  Ivj 
some  indifferent  inconvenience  ?  What  madness  it  is,  so  to  de- 
fend evert/  thing  to  the  iitmost,  as  to  neglect  the  substance  of 
the  whole  Gospel  ! When  these  and  such  like  argu- 
ments were  formerly  made  use  of  by  artful  men,  I  thought 
with  myself,  that  you  were  more  influenced  by  them  than 
was  right ;  and  I  now  ingenuously  open  ray  mind  to  you, 
lest  that  truly  divine  magnanimity,  with  which,  otherwise, 
you  are  richly  endowed,  should  be  impeded  in  its  operation. 
The  reason  of  this  my  earnestness  is  well  known  to  you ; 
that  I  would  sooner  die  a  hmidred  times  Avith  you,  than  see 
you  survive  the  doctrine  which  you  preach.  I  do  not  say 
this,  apprehending  any  danger,  lest  the  truth  of  God,  made 
known  by  your  ministry,  should  ever  perish,  or  because  I  dis- 
trust, in  any  manner,  your  perseverance ;  but  because  you 
will  never  be  solicitous  enough  in  your  watchfulness,  lest  the 
impious  artfully  take  that  opportunity  of  cavilling  at  the 
Gospel,  which  they  will  seize  from  your  flexible  disposition. 
Pardon  me  for  unloading  into  your  bosom  these  miserable 
although  unavailing  sighs.  Farewell,  most  distinguished 
man,  always  sincerely  respected  by  me.  May  the  Lord  con- 
tinue to  guide  you  by  his  Spirit,  to  support  you  by  hU 
grace,  and  defend  you  by  his  shield.  Salute  my  friends,  if 
there  should  be  any  with  you.  You  have  many  here  Avho 
respectfully  salute  you  ;  for  many,  for  the  sake  of  avoiding 
idolatry,  have  fled  from  France  into  voluntary  exile  in  Xhk 
city. — ' 


850  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters, 

LETTER  XXXVI. 

Calvin  to  Bucer,  wishes  health. 

Although  your  letter  contained  a  mixture  of  good  and  bai 
ne^vs,  it  however  gave  me  great  satisfaction.  I  wish  I  could, 
in  some  measure  at  least,  alleviate  the  sorrow  of  your  mind, 
and  those  cares  with  Avhich  I  perceive  you  are  distressed. 
We  all  beseech  you,  again  and  again,  not  to  wear  yourself  out 
without  advantage.  It  is  not,  indeed,  consistent  with  your 
piety,  nor  becoming,  nor  at  all  wished  by  us,  that  you  should 
be  cheerful  and  joyous,  while  there  are  such  great  and  multi- 
plied causes  for  mourning.  You  ought  however,  as  much  as 
possible,  to  preserve  yourself  for  the  Lord  and  the  Church. 
You  have,  indeed,  run  a  long  race ;  but  you  know  not  how 
much  still  remains  to  you.  Perhaps  I,  who  have  advanced 
but  a  small  distance  from  the  goal,  am  nearer  the  end  of  my 
race.  The  direction  and  termination  of  our  course  are  in  the 
hand  of  God.  That  I  may  be  still  more  active,  amidst  the 
dangers  which  threaten  me  on  every  hand,  I  make  use  of  the 
numerous  deaths,  which  are  daily  taking  place  before  my 
eye?.  In  England,  you  are  exercised  with  battles,  while  in 
this  city  we  cherish  dilatory  fears.  I  hope,  however,  that 
your  internal  commotions  are  settled,  as  report  says,  that  you 
have  a  truce  with  the  French.  I  wish  the  conditions  of  a 
lasting  peace  could  be  established ;  for  we  see  the  fencing 
master,  m  ho  is  exciting  the  two  kingdoms  against  each  other, 
laughing  in  idleness,  and  watching  the  fortune  of  both,  that 
he  may  attack  the  victor,  with  all  his  strength,  and  spoil  the 
conquered  without  labour  or  bloodshed ;  thus  triumphing 
over  both,  lie  mIII  seize  them  as  his  prey.  But  considering 
the  corrupt  <  ounsris  which  govern  France,  I  despair  of  this 
peace.     TJicy   fear  th*^.  F4mperour    beyond   measure;    but 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  »51 

while  they  proudly  despise  others  they  are  not  aware  of  his 
cunning.  The  Lord  is  surely,  by  this  bhndness,  punishing 
their  atrocious  cruelty  against  the  pious,  which,  as  I  under- 
stand, daily  increases.  I  wish,  as  impiety  gathers  strength 
and  waxes  more  violent  in  France,  that  the  English,  by  a  ri- 
val spirit  of  emulation,  would  contend  for  the  substance  ajid 
purity  of  Christianity,  until  they  see  every  thing  established 
among  them  according  to  the  perfect  rule  of  Christ. 

I  have,  as  you  wished,  and  as  the  present  state  of  afiairs 
required,  endeavoured  to  exhort  the  Lord  Protector.  It 
will  be  your  duty  to  insist,  by  all  means,  if  you  can  obtain  an 
audience,  which  I  am  persuaded  you  may,  that  the  ceremo- 
nies which  savour  in  the  least  of  superstition  should  be  abo- 
lished from  the  publick  service.  This  I  expressly  recom- 
mend to  you,  that  you  may  free  yourself  from  that  reproach, 
with  which  you  know  many  have  unjustly  loaded  you  ;  for 
the  adviser  of  publick  measures  is  always  considered  as  their 
author,  or  at  least  approver.  This  suspicion  is  so  strongly 
fixed  in  the  mind  of  some,  that  you  Avill  not  easily  erase  it 
with  your  utmost  exertions.  Some  maliciously  calumniate 
you,  without  any  cause.  This  is  an  evil  in  some  measure 
without  remedy,  and  you  will  not  be  able  wholly  to  escape 
its  influence.  Care  must  be  taken  to  give  no  cause  of  suspi- 
cion to  the  ignorant,  nor  any  pretext  for  calumny  to  the  wick- 
ed.    I  regret  very  much,  that  N is  so  troubleeome  to 

you  without  cause.  I  could  wish  him  to  learn  some  human i 
ty.  I  more  easily  pardon  him,  as  he  appears  to  be  carried 
away,  not  so  much  by  his  perverseness,  as  by  a  blind  im- 
pulse to  be  observed.  You  cannot  conceive  how  aivociously 
he  abuses  us  and  our  innocent  and  absent  friends.  JJe  Ixi:- 
veighed  especially  against  Vlret,  who  was  undeservedly  op- 
pressed by  the  miquity  of  some,  and  the  periidy  of  others. 
He  violently  pursued  him,  as  he  would  the  most  abandoned 
betrayer  of  the  Church.     He  wonld  rertvinly  acnnstoiix  him 


352  LIFE  OF  CALVIN*  letters. 

self  to  mildness,  if  he  observed  the  noxious  intemperance  of 
his  too  fervid  zeal  and  immoderate  austerity.  This  indigni- 
ty you  must  receive,  with  other  evils,  with  your  accustomed 
equanimity.  The  Church  of  Zurich  would  not  approve  his 
cause.  On  this  subject,  I  disagree  with  you,  cis  you  think  we 
injure  our  adversaries.  You  suppose  that  they  never  so 
grossly  blimdercd,  as  to  imagine  that  the  body  of  Christ  was 
extended  every  a\  here.  But  you  forget  what  Brentius  among 
others  has  written,  that  Christ,  when  he  lay  in  the  manger, 
was  glorious  in  heaven,  etiam  secundum  corpus,  even  bodily 
That  I  may  speak  more  openly,  you  know  that  the  doctrine  of 
the  Papists  is  more  modest  and  sober,  than  that  of  Amsdorf^ 
and  his  followers,  who  were  as  mfatuated  as  the  Priestess  of 
Apollo.  You  know  how  inhumanly  Melancthon  was  treated, 
because  he  maintained  some  moderation.  These  deliriums 
necessarily  di-ew  with  them  idolatry.  For  what  purpose  is 
the  sacrament  of  Luther  to  be  adored,  unless  that  an  idol 
might  l^e  erected  in  the  Church  of  God  ?  I  have  earnestly 
desued,  that  all  these  things  might  be  buried.  I  have  con- 
stantly insisted  also,  with  the  greatest  firmness  among  our 
neighbours,!  that  they  should  abstain  from  all  invectives.  To 
satisfy  them,  I  have  not  hesitated  to  condemn  all  those  er- 
rours,  without  calling  them  by  name,  to  which  I  could  by  no 
means  give  my  assent.  Concerning  tlie  word  place,  you 
certainly  appear  to  argue  with  too  much  subtilty.  The  ob- 
scurity more  severely  offends  others,  which  they  say  you  art- 
fully  and  designedly  used.  I  am  confident,  however,  that 
in  this  respect  they  err.     But  I  do  not  see  why  you  so  dili- 

*  Nicholas  Amsdorf  died  in  1541 .  He  was  a  rigid  adherent  of  LuUier, 
and  extravagantly  asserted,  that  good  -works  -were  an  impediment  to  salvation. 
He  was  distinguished  for  his  opposition  to  the  Papists,  and  his  controversy 
with  Melancthon,  who  laboured  to  check  this  violent  man,  and  to  set  the 
truth  about  good  works  in  a  proper  light.    Rees'  Cyclopedia. 

t  The  Helvetick  Churches,  Zurich,  Si6. 


f  ETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  SoS 

gently  avoid  what  we  teach,  since  Christ  is  said  to  have  aS"- 
cended  into  Heaven;  by  which  expression  we  understand  dis- 
tance of  places  to  be  expressed.  We  do  not  dispute  whe- 
ther there  is  a  place  in  celestial  gIor)%  but  whether  the  bod^ 
of  Christ  is  in  this  rvorld.  Since  this  question  is  clearly  de- 
termined by  the  scriptures,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  embrace  it 
for  an  article  of  my  faith.  And  yet,  as  you  Avifl  fiixl  it  in 
our  book,  it  was  granted  to  the  moroseness  of  some,  not 
without  opposition  ;  for  I  had  tempered  the  expressions  oth- 
erwise. As  this  formula  which  we  had  used  contained  no- 
thing but  what  I  thought  was  true,  religion  did  not  require 
that  it  should  be  given  up  for  others.  You  piously  and  pru- 
dently wish,  that  the  effect  of  the  sacraments,  and  what 
God  confers  through  them,  should  be  explained  mere  clearly 
and  copiously  than  many  will  endure.  The  fault  does  not 
lie  with  me,  that  some  things  were  not  more  distinctly  illus- 
trated. Let  us  lament  and  still  submit  to  those  things 
which  we  are  not  permitted  to  correct.  You  will  have  en- 
closed in  this  letter  a  copy  of  the  writing  which  they  remit- 
ted to  me.  The  two  points  which  you  feared  they  would 
reject,  they  willingly  embraced.  If  others  had  followed  the 
mildness  of  Bullinger,  I  should  have  easily  obtained  every 
thing  I  wished.  It  is  Avell,  however,  that  we  agree  in  the 
truth,  and  hold  unitedly  the  chief  doctrines  of  religion.  If 
you  had  accommodated  your  Theses  a  little  only  in  two 
points,  you  would  have  rendered  them  most  appropriate. 
You  should  have  stated  distinctly.  That  Christ  is  bodilt/  se- 
parated from  us  who  are  in  this  world,  hy  the  distance  of  pla- 
ces :  You  should  have  rejected  decidedly  all  the  inventions, 
hy  which  the  minds  of  men  are  hitherto  draivn  into  supersti- 
tion ;  and  expressly  vindicated  the  glory  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
and  of  Christ,  so  that  their  efficacy  should  nat  he  transferred 
to  the  Ministers,  or  the  elements. 

4?'5 


364  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

Tl*  commencement  of  the  conference,  foi'  establishing  the 
union  of  opinion,  presented  nothing  but  despair.  The  light 
suddenly  shone  forth.  The  most  eminent  members,  on  their 
part,  Mere  desirous  to  communicate   with  other  Churches. 

We  cheerfully  consented.     The  dissension  of  N must  be 

borne  with  an  equal  mind.  Farel  will  write  you  a  copiouf 
letter.  Yuet  does  not  presume  to  write.  You  cannot  con- 
ceive how  unjustly  he  is  treated.  He  salutes  you  most  af- 
fectionately, and  begs  you  to  excuse  him.  My  colleaguei 
salute  you  with  respect.  There  is  nothing  new  here,  except 
that  Zurich  and  Bern  have  cut  off  all  hopes  of  a  league  with 
France.  Farewell,  most  beloved  man,  and  my  much  respect- 
ed father  in  the  Lord. 

LETTER  XXXYIL 

N TO  Calvin. 

Grace  and  peace  from  our  Lord.  I  need  very  much  the 
consolation  of  your  letters.  For  although  I  am  not  with- 
out good  friends  and  brethren  in  the  Lord,  yet  I  am  very 
anxious  to  know  what  my  old  friends  and  tried  colleagues 
are  about ;  and  with  what  agreement  and  success  the  work 
of  the  Lord  proceeds  among  them.  I  am  also  very  desirous 
that  they  would  advise,  console  and  exhort  me.  Those 
things  which  are  occcisionally  written  to  me  from  my  coun- 
try, and  other  parts  of  Germany,  greatly  agitate  my  mind. 
Besides,  the  affairs  of  Christ  are  in  such  a  situation  here, 
that  unless  the  Lord  should  regard,  with  singular  clemen- 
cy, our  most  amiable  and  religious  King,  and  some  other  pi- 
ous men,  it  is  greatly  to  be  feared,  that  the  awful  wrath  of 
God  will  be  shortly  enkindled  against  this  kingdom.  The 
Bishops  have  not  yet  been  able  to  agree  among  them- 
selves, concerning  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  much  less  con- 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  356 

cerning  the  discipline.  Very  few  parishes  have  proper  Pas- 
tors, and  most  of  thera  are  sold  to  noblemen.  Some  of  the 
ecclesiastical  order,  and  those  too  who  would  appear  to  be 
evangelical,  hold  three  or  four  or  more  parishes,  and  yet 
perform  ministerial  duty  in  none  of  them  ;  but  content  them- 
selves with  substituting  those  ^vho  are  unwilling  to  be  con- 
trolled by  any  rules,  most  of  whom  ai'e  unable  even  to  read 
English,  and  are  at  heart  mere  rank  Papists.  The  heads  of 
government  have  placed  those  over  many  parishes,  who  had 
been  in  monasteries,  that  they  might  free  themselves  from 
paying  them  a  pension.  These  are  mostly  very  ignorant, 
and  totally  unqualified  for  the  sacred  ministry.  Hence  you 
may  find  parishes  in  which  no  sermon  has  been  preached 
for  some  years.  Mere  edicts,  and  the  removal  of  the  appen- 
dages of  superstition,  you  well  know,  will  not  efiect  the  resti- 
tution of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Each  of  the  Universities 
has  many  excellent  Colleges,  provided  with  ample  funds, 
and  many  good  laws,  superior  to  any  Universities  in  tlie 
world.  A  great  number  of  students,  above  a  hundred  in 
most  of  them,  are  well  educated,  and  have  an  honourable 
j)ecuniary  allowance  for  their  clothing  and  books.  From 
these  a  successive  number  of  faithful  Ministers  ought  to  be 
furnished  to  the  Churches ;  for  all  the  Masters  of  Arts  are 
obliged  to  study  theology,  with  the  exception  of  only  four, 
in  each  College,  two  of  whom  are  bound  to  study  medicine, 
and  two  the  profession  of  law.  The  sufferance  of  that  for- 
mer abuse  has  now  gained  such  great  strength,  that  much  the 
greater  part  of  the  Fellows  are  violent  Papists,  or  dissolute 
Epicureans.  They  make  every  exertion  to  entice  the  youth 
to  their  systems,  and  to  imbue  their  minds  with  a  hatred 
of  the  sound  doctrines  and  discipline  of  Christ.  Our  Minis- 
ters are  so  sparing  of  their  sermons,  that  they  did  not  preach, 
excepting  one  or  two  Sabbaths,  during  the  whole  of  Lent, 
which  as  yet  they  would  appear  to  observe,  as  the  time  of 

/^'■.■^ 


356  LIFE  OF  CALVIN^*  betters., 

the  death  and  resui'rection  of  Christ ;  nor  do  they  hold  any 
meeting  of  the  people  this  day.  Besides,  most  of  our  parish 
Ministers  recite  the  service,  and  administer  the  Supper ,  in 
such  a  manner,  that  the  people  understand  about  as  much 
concerning  the  mysteries  of  Christ,  as  they  would  if  they  still 
used  the  Latin,  and  not  the  vernacular  tongue.  When  com- 
plaints of  this  most  awful  deficiency  in  the  Chiu-ches  are  prefer^ 
red,  by  pious  men,  to  the  heads  of  government,  they  say  that  it 
is  the  business  of  the  Bishops  to  remedy  these  evils,  ^\^len 
the  complaints  are  carried  to  the  Bishops,  who  lately  em- 
braced the  Gospel,  they  answer  that  they  cannot  correct 
them,  unless  authorized  by  a  publick  law  of  the  kingdom. 
But,  notwithstanding  the  great  Councils  of  the  kingdom  are 
holden  annually,  civil  questions  have  been  so  multiplied,  that 
the  cause  of  Christ  could  find  no  place  for  a  hearing.  Then 
they  committed  thi)  deliberation  of  these  things  to  so  ma- 
ny persons  of  diiferent  opinions,  that  all  of  them  cannot  be 
assembled  together  at  one  time  for  this  purpose,  nor  esta- 
blish any  thing  correct  and  substantial  on  so  many  im- 
portant questions.  This  delay  of  the  cause  of  Clu'ist  is,  in 
a  great  measure,  the  consequence  of  the  efforts  of  many  Bi- 
shops, who  are  more  attached  to  the  idleness  and  pomp 
of  Antichrist,  than  to  the  cross  of  Christ.  Connected  with 
these  are  many  active  noblemen,  who  have  enriched  themselves 
by  the  goods  of  the  Church,  and  who  think  that  the  pillaging 
of  the  Churches  will  be  more  profitable  than  piously  re- 
forming them.  In  addition  to  these  evils,  not  a  few  reject 
all  regard  to  repentance,  faith,  good  works,  and  the  com- 
munion and  disci  iJine  of  the  Church  ;  and  they  dispute  and 
contend,  and  often  wi,th  much  impiety,  for  those  doctrines 
alone,  A\hich  will  require  less  regard  for  true  piety  in  the 
participation  of  Christ  through  the  holy  Supper.  These 
are  principally  the  followers  of  those  leaders,  who  zealous- 
ly write  and  assert,  that  it  is  fanaticism  to  attempt  to  rc^ 


iETXERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  357 

form  the  discipline  of  the  Church  ;  that  those  Avho  sin  open- 
ly should  be  bound  to  perform  penance,  and  that  being 
done,  they  should  be  absolved  from  that  bond,  and  receive 
the  absolution  of  the  Church  formally  fjom  all  sins  connect- 
ed with  scandal.  Thus  they  permit  themselves  to  give  any 
interpretations  of  the  word  of  God,  even  of  the  most  lumi- 
nous passages,  which  their  prudence,  or  rather  their  pride, 
■suggests  to  them ;  to  say  nothing  of  the  influence  of  the  ha- 
tred which  they  bear  to  those  who  teach  correctly  the  true 
doctrines. 

I  write  these  things  thus  freely  to  you,  my  beloved  Cal- 
vin, that  you  may  pray  more  intensively  for  these  Church- 
es ;  and  when  you  shall  write  to  the  Duke  of  Somerset,  that 
you  may. admonish  him  more  seriously  concerning  this  pillaging 
and  betraying  of  the  Churches,  which  are,  with  very  few  ex- 
ceptions, entrusted  to  those  who  neither  know  nor  care  any 
thing  about  Christ.  I  request  of  you,  that  no  one  read 
this  letter,  except  Fare]  and  Viret.  You  well  kno^v  how  injuri- 
ous it  would  be,  that  these  things  should  be  made  publick, 
and  above  all  by  us.  Multiply  your  prayers  for  his  Majes- 
ty the  King,  whose  proficiency  in  the  study  of  science  and  li- 
terature is  wonderful.  The  danger  to  which  he  is  exposed 
you  can  easily  imagine,  as  the  Papists  are  every  where 
greatly  enraged,  since  they  see  and  kno^v,  that  the  King  is 
yet  exerting  all  his  powers  to  restore  the  kingdom  of  Christ. 
They  know,  too,  that  his  eldest  sister  most  pertinaciously 
adopts  and  defends  Popery,  whether  influenced  by  her  dis- 
position or  confidence  in  her  cousin.  Our  indifference  in  the 
work  of  building  the  kingdom  of  Christ  deserves  these  dan- 
gers, and  naturally  excites  the  endeavours  of  our  adversaries. 

Give  thanks  to  God  with  me,  that  he  has,  in  a  great  mea- 
sure, delivered  me  from  my  sickness,  which  again  attacked 
me  most  seriously  about  the  middle  of  JMarch.  I  am  able, 
xvith  some  difficulty,  to  perform  the  duties  of  my  office  ; 


358  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i.£it£rs. 

though  my  limbs  are  weak,  and  my  hands  so  feeble  that  I 
write  with  difficulty.  BcEieech  the  Lord,  that  he  may  free 
ine  from  these  difficulties,  and  make  me,  in  some  degree, 
useful  in  his  Church ;  and  that  he  would  glorify  his  holy 
name  in  me,  in  whatever  way  he  pleases.  The  best  fare- 
well to  you  and  all  yours,  to  the  excellent  Farel  axid  Viret, 
and  your  other  colleagues  of  like  worth. 
Cambriuge,  the  day  of  Peatecost,  1550.* 

LETTER  XXXVIIL 

CalVin  to  Bullinger.     (Extracts.) 

My  Commentaries  ou  Isaiah,  and  the  canonical  Epistles, 
have  been  lately  printed.  I  dedicated  them  both  to  the 
King  of  England,  and  I  added  sora«  private  letters,  in  which 
I  endeavoured  to  stir  up  the  excellent  disposition  of  the 

young  Prince. News  is  arrived  that  Hooper  is  confined 

in  prison.  I  would  have  preferred,  as  I  advised  him,  that 
he  should  not  contend  so  nmch  about  the  linen  robe  and 
mitre,  though  I  do  not  approve  of  them. 

March,  155L 

It  is  a  favourable  circumstance,  that  our  opinions  have  so 
perfectly  coincided  in  exhorting  the  King  of  England  and 
his  Counsellours  to  proceed  in  the  work.  By  the  messenger 
who  carried  my  books  and  letters  to  the  King,  I  also  wrote  to 
the  Duke  of  Somerset,  and  exhorted  him  to  protect  Hooper. 

April,  1551. 

*  The  above  letter  bears  internal  proof  of  being  \vTitten  by  Paul  Fagius, 
who  was  tlien  at  Cambridge.  He  was  a  German,  and  succeeded  Wolfgang 
Capito,  in  the  Professorship  of  Theology  at  Strasburg,  where  he  continued 
till  he  came  into  England  with  Biicerj  1549. 


xETTERs,  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  U^ 

LETTER  XXXIX. 

Thomas  Cranmer  to  Calvin,  Salutem  precatur. 

As  nothing  tends  more  to  separate  the  Churches  of  God 
than  heresies  and  difi'erences  about  the  doctrines  of  rehgion, 
so  nothing  more  effectually  unites  them,  and  fortifies  more 
powerfully  the  fold  of  Clu'ist,  than  the  uncorrupted  doctrine 
of  the  Gospel,  and  union  in  received  opinions.  I  have  often 
wished,  and  now  wish,  that  those  learned  and  pious  men, 
whoexcell  others  in  erudition  and  judgment,  would  assemble 
in  some  convenient  place,  where,  holding  a  mutual  consulta- 
tion, and  comparing  their  opinions,  they  might  discuss  all 
the  heads  of  ecclesiastical  doctrine,  and  agree  not  only  con- 
cerning the  things  themselves,  but  the  forms  of  expression, 
and  deliver  to  posterity  some  work,  with  the  weiglit  of  their 
authority.  Our  adversaries  are  now  holding  their  Council  at 
Trent,  that  they  may  establish  their  errours.  And  shall  we 
Heglect  to  call  together  a  pious  Synod,  that  we  may  be  able 
to  refute  their  errours,  and  to  purify  and  propagate  the  true 
doctrines  ?  They,  as  I  hear,  are  making  decrees  vb^i  ry,{ 
«^T«A«Tf ««;,  about  the  worship  of  the  bread.  We  ought  there- 
fore to  make  every  effort,  not  only  to  fortify  others  against 
this  idolatry,  but  that  we  also  ourselves  might  agree  on  the 
doctrine  of  this  sacrament.  How  much  the  dissensions  and 
variety  of  opinions,  about  this  cacrament  of  union,  weaken  the 
Church  of  God,  cannot  escape  your  prudence.  Although 
these  differences  may,  in  some  places,  he  removed,  yet  I  wish 
an  agreement  in  this  doctrine,  not  only  about  the  things  thenv- 
selves,  but  also  about  the  words  and  forms  of  axpressiojn. 
You  have  my  ardent  wishes,  concerning  which  I  have  writ- 
ten to  Melancthon  and  Bullinger,  and  I  beg  j-ou  to  deliberate 


^60  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xetters. 

among  yourselves,  in  what  manner  this  Synod  can  most  con- 
veniently be  assembled.     Farewell. 
Your  most  beloved  brother  in  Christ, 

THOMAS,  of  Canterbury. 
Lambeth,  March  20,  1552. 

LETTER  XL. 

Calvin  to  Cranmer,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  wishes  health 

Illustrious  Sir,  You  prudently  judge,  that  in  this  confused 
state  of  the  Church,  no  remedy  more  appropriate  can  be  ap- 
plied, than  that  pious  and  resolute  men,  exercised  in  the 
school  of  God,  should  meet  among  themselves,,  and  publickly 
profess  their  agreement  in  the  doctrines  of  religion,  We  see 
by  how  many  arts  Satan  i§  endeavouring  to  destroy  the  light 
of  the  Gospel,  which  has  arisen  by  the  wonderful  goodness  of 
God,  and  is  extending  its  beams  in  every  direction.  The 
mercenary  parasites  of  the  Pope  do  not  cease  their  railing,  to 
prevent  the  preachmg  of  the  pure  word  of  Christ.  Licen- 
tiousness so  much  prevails,  and  impiety  has  so  increased,  that 
religion  is  but  a  little  removed  from  publick  mockery.  Those 
who  are  not  the  professed  enemies  of  the  Gospel  are  even  now 
affected  by  that  lascivious  impudence,  which  will  shortly, 
unless  counteracted,  produce  among  us  the  most  shameful 
confusion.  It  is  not  merely  among  the  ignorant  class  of  men, 
that  this  feverish  and  foolish  curiosity  and  immoderate  im- 
pudence reign  ;  but  what  is  more  shameful,  it  is  much  too 
prevalent  among  the  order  of  Pastors.  It  is  too  well  known, 
with  what  delusive  madness  Osiander  deceives  himself,  and 
fascinates  some  others.  The  Lord,  indeed,  as  he  has  done 
from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  can  wonderfully,  in  ways 
unknown  to  us,  preserve  the  unity  of  the  true  faith,  and  pre- 
vent its  dxjstruction  from  the  dissensions  of  men.     It  is  his 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  361 

will  however,  that  those  whom  he  lias  appointed  to  watch 
should  by  no  means  sleep;  as  he  has  determined,  by  the  la 
hours  of  his  ministring  servants,  to  purge  the  pure  dt)ctrine 
in  the  Church,  from  all  corruptions,  and  to  transmit  it  ur- 
bleraished  to  posterity.  It  is  especially  your  duty,  most  ac- 
complished Prelate,  as  you  sit  more  elevated  in  the  ^vatch- 
tower,  to  continue  your  exertions  for  effecting  this  object.  I 
do  not  say  this,  to  stimulate  you  afresh  ;  as  you  have  already. 
of  your  own  accord,  preceded  others,  and  voluntarily  exhort- 
ed them  to  follow  your  steps.  I  would  only  confirm  you  in 
this  auspicious  and  distinguished  labour  by  my  congratula- 
tion. We  have  heard  of  the  delightful  success  of  the  Gospel 
in  England.  I  doubt  not,  but  you  have  experienced  the 
same  trials,  which  Paul  met  with  in  his  time  :  that  the  door 
being  opened  for  the  pure  doctrine,  many  adversaries  sudden- 
ly rise  up  against  its  reception.  I  know  you  have  among  you 
many  advocates,  capable  of  refuting  the  falsehoods  of  the  ad- 
versary ;  but  still,  the  wickedness  of  those,  Avho  exert  all  theiv 
arts  to  make  disturbance,  proves  that  the  most  intense  seduli- 
ty of  the  good  will  neither  be  too  ardent  nor  supei-fluous.  I 
know  moreover,  that  your  purpose  is  not  confined  to  England 
alone ;  but,  at  the  same  moment,  you  consult  the  benefit  of 
all  the  world.  The  generous  disposition  and  uncommon  piety 
of  his  Majesty,  the  King,  are  justly  to  be  admired,  as  he  is 
pleased  to  faveur  this  holy  purpose  of  hoJding  such  a  Council, 
and  offers  a  place  for  its  session  in  his  kingdom.  I  wish  it 
might  be  effected,  that  learned  and  stable  men,  from  the  priii-^ 
cipal  Churches,  might  assemble  in  some  place,  and,  after  dis- 
cussing with  care  each  article  of  faith,  deliver  to  posterity. 
from  their  general  opinion  of  them  all,  the  clear  doctrines  of 
the  scriptures.  It  is  to  be  numbered  among  the  evils  of  our 
day,  that  the  Churches  are  so  divided  one  ffoni  another,  that 
there  is  scarcely  any  friendly  intercourse  strengthened  between 
us ;  raijch  less  does  that  holy  communion  of  the  members  of 

46 


3G2  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  XEiiiRg. 

Christ  flourish,  which  all  profess  Mith  the  mouth,  but  few 
sincerely  regard  in  the  heart.  But  if  the  principal  teachers 
conduct  themselves  more  coldly  than  they  ought,  it  is  princi- 
pally tlie  fault  of  the  Princes  who,  involved  in  their  secular 
concerns,  neglect  the  prosperity  and  purity  of  the  Church ;  or 
each  one,  contented  -with  his  own  security,  is  indifferent  to  the 
welfare  of  others.  Thus  it  comes  to  pass,  that  the  members 
being  divided,  the  body  of  the  Church  lies  disabled. 

Respecting  myself,  if  it  should  appear  that  I  could  render 
any  service,  I  should  with  pleasure  cross  ten  seas,  if  necessary, 
to  accomplish  that  object.  Even  if  the  benefit  of  the  king- 
dom of  England  only  was  to  be  consulted,  it  would  furnish  a 
reason  sufficiently  powerful  with  me.  But  as  in  the  Council 
proposed,  the  object  is  to  obtain  the  firm  and  united  agree- 
ment of  learned  men  to  the  sound  rule  of  scripture,  by  which 
Churches  now  divided  may  be  united  with  each  other,  I 
think  it  would  be  a  crime  in  me  to  spare  any  labour  or  trou- 
ble to  effect  it.  But  I  expect  my  slender  ability  to  accom- 
plish this  will  furnish  me  with  sufficient  excuse.  If  I  aid 
that  object  by  my  prayers,  which  Mill  be  undertaken  by  oth- 
ers, I  shall  discharge  my  part  of  the  business.  Mclancthon 
is  so  far  from  me,  that  our  letters  cannot  be  exchanged  in  a 
short  time.  Bullinger  has  perhaps  answered  you  before  this. 
I  wish  my  ability  was  equal  to  the  ardency  of  my  desires. 
But  what  I  at  first  declined,  as  unable  to  accomplish,  I  per- 
ceive the  very  necessity  of  the  business  now  compels  me  to  at- 
tempt. I  not  only  exhort  you,  but  I  conjure  you,  to  proceed, 
until  something  shall  be  effected,  if  not  every  thing  you  could 
wish.  Farewell,  most  accomplished  Prelate,  sincerely  re- 
spected by  me.  May  the  Lord  go  on  to  guide  you  by  his 
Spirit,  and  bless  your  holy  labours. — •■ — Geneva. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  363 

LETTER  XLL 

Calvin  to  Cranmer,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  Saluteiii  dicit 

Since  we  can  by  no  means  expect  at  this  time,  what  we,  so 
much  desired,  that  the  principal  Doctors,  from  tliose  Church- 
es which  have  embraced  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  Gospel, 
should  assemble,  and  from  the  word  of  God  publish  a  definite 
and  luminous  Confession  concerning  all  the  points  now  con- 
troverted ;  I  very  much  approve,  Reverend  Sir,  of  your  de- 
sign, that  the  English  should  maturely  determine  their  reli- 
gion among  themselves :  that  the  minds  of  the  people  may 
no  longer  remain  in  suspense  about  unsettled  doctrines,  or 
rites  less  determined  than  they  ought  to  be.  It  is  especially 
your  business,  and  that  of  all  those  ^\  ho  have  the  government 
in  their  hands,  to  unite  your  exertions  to  efl'ect  this  object. 
You  see  what  your  station  requires,  and  more  imperiously 
demands  of  you,  in  return  for  the  office  which  you  hold  by 
his  favour.  The  chief  authority  is  in  your  hand,  confirmed 
both  by  the  greatness  of  the  honour,  and  the  long  established 
opinion  concerning  your  prudence  and  integrity.  The  eyes 
of  the  better  part  are  turned  upon  you,  that  they  may  follow 
your  motions,  or  grow  torpid  under  the  pretext  of  your  neg- 
ligence. I  wish  they  had  followed  you  as  a  leader  more  than 
three  years  gince,  and  avoided  the  present  numerous  contests 
for  removing  gross  superstitions.  I  confess  indeed,  that  since 
the  time  the  Gospel  has  seriously  flourished  in  England,  the 
acquisitions  have  been  great.  But  if  you  consider  ho\\  much 
remains  to  be  done,  and  how  much  delay  there  has  been  in 
many  things,  you  will  hasten  to  the  goal,  as  if  a  great  part  of 
your  com'se  was  yet  to  be  finished.  I  do  not  give  you  this 
admonition  to  assiduity  m  the  work,  lest  you  should  indulge 
yourself  as  though  it  v»  as  accomplij^hed  ;  but  to  speak  freely, 


aCi  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i^etieks. 

I  greatly  fear,  and  this  fear  is  constantly  recurring  to  my 
jniud,  that  so  many  autumns  will  be  past  in  delaying,  that 
the  cold  of  a  perpetual  winter  will  succeed.  The  more  you 
advance  in  years,  the  more  vigorously  you  ought  to  excite 
yoiuself  to  action  ;  lest  leaving  the  world  in  this  confused  state 
of  things,  great  anxiety  should  distress  you  from  a  conscious- 
ness of  negligence.  I  call  it  a  confused  state  of  things  ;  for 
the  external  superstitions  have  been  so  imperfectly  corrected, 
that  the  innumerable  remaining  suckers  unremittingly  germi- 
nate. Indeed  I  hear  that  of  the  corruptions  of  Popery  such 
a  mass  remains,  as  not  only  to  obscure,  but  almost  destroy  the 
pure  and  genuine  worship  of  God.  At  the  same  time,  the 
spirit  of  all  ecclesiastical  discipline  is  breathless,  at  least  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel  does  not  flourish  as  it  ought.  Sound 
religion  certainly  will  never  prevail,  until  the  Churches  are 
better  provided  with  quaUfied  Pastors,  who  may  seriously 
discharge  the  oflice  of  Teachers.  That  this  may  not  take 
})Iace,  Satan  opposes  his  secret  arts.  But  I  understand  that 
one  nianiijpEt  obstacle  is,  that  the  revenues  of  the  Church  are 
exposed  for  ^)illage.  This  is  truly  an  intolerable  evil.  Be- 
sides this  w  aste,  which  is  too  gross,  another  evil,  not  nmch 
lighter,  is  that  idle  fellows  are  fed  upon  the  publick  income 
of  the  Church,  that  they  may  chant  their  vespers  in  an  un- 
kno\\  n  tongue.  I  say  nothing  more,  as  it  is  more  than  ab- 
surd, that  you  should  be  an  approver  of  these  reproaches 
which  are  in  open  opposition  to  the  legitimate  order  of  the 
Church.  I  doubt  not  but  these  things  often  occur  to  your 
mind,  and  are  suggested  to  you  by  that  best  and  most  ex- 
cellent man,  Peter  Martyr,  whose  advice  it  gives  me  pleasure 
to  liear  that  you  use.  The  many  arduous  difficulties,  with 
whicli  you  have  to  struggle,  appeared  to  me  a  sufficient  rea- 
son for  my  exhortation.  Farewell,  excellent  Prelate.  May 
the  Lord  long  preserve  you  safe  ;  enrich  you  more  and  more 
with  the  spirit  of  prudence  and  fortitude,  and  bless  all  your 
labours.     Amen. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3€i& 

LETTER  XLIL 

Hooper  to  Calvin-,  Salutation. 

I  doubt  not,  most  excellent  man,  that  you  have  heard  by 
the  letters  of  your  friends,  the  affairs  in  England,  and  the 
state  of  the  kingdom ;  also  that  our  most  pious  King  has 
paid  the  debt  of  nature,  I  malie  no  doubt,  on  accomit  of 
our  sins.  His  death  was  followed  by  a  most  miserable  throng 
of  calamities.  Altars  are  every  where  erected  in  the  king- 
dom ;  private  masses  are  held  in  estimation  in  most  places ;  all 
the  service  in  the  Churches  is  performed  in  Latin.  Pious 
men  fear  for  themselves.  The  Ministers  of  the  Churchef, 
and  all  who  have  freely  taught  Christ,  expect  death.  We 
ask  the  prayers  of  your  Church,  and  of  all  pious  people,  that 
we  may  seek  the  glory  of  Christ  with  cheerful  and  imbroken 
courage,  and  suffer  that  most  glorious  death  for  his  name. 

Tux  pietatis  studio  si  ssimus,  most  desirous  of  your  piety. 
JOHN  HOOPER,  Bishop  of  Worcester. 

London,  from  the  prison,  September  3,  1553. 

LETTER  XLIII. 

Melancthoit  to  Calvin,  wishes  health. 

Fieverend  and  beloved  brother,  I  should  write  to  you  often, 
if  I  had  any  trusty  letter  carrier.  I  would  prefer,  however, 
to  have  a  conversation  uith  you,  on  many  points  of  the 
greatest  moment ;  as  I  hold  your  judgment  in  high  estima- 
tion, and  know  the  integrity  of  your  mind,  and  your  most 
perfect  candour.  I  now  live  u<rxi^  '«va5  ev  (np-tmixK;, — like  an 
ass  among  nasps.  But  perhaps  1  shall  shortly  be  called, 
from  this  mortal  life,  to  the  more  perfect  society  of  heaven. 


366  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letijsrs. 

I  hear  thai  Francis  Dryander  has  passed  the  summer  with 
you.  If  I  live,  I  must  expect  another  banishment.  And  if 
I  am  forced  |o  leave  Wittemberg,  I  am  determined  to  have 
a  conference  with  you.  The  study  of  theology  has  become 
indifferent  in  these  parts.  The  pursuits  of  science  are  now 
impeded  by  the  plague  and  the  Mars.  I  often  sigh  and 
deplore  the  causes  of  this  madness  in  our  Rulers.  I  also  be- 
seech the  Son  of  God,  to  mitigate  and  remove  the  causes  of 
these  calamities.  If  you  wish  to  write  to  me  more  frequent- 
ly, you  will  have  opportunities  of  forwarding  your  letters  to 
Francis  Dryander.  On  the  leaf  enclosed,  I  have  written  the 
concise  history  of  this  autumn.     Farewell.      Octolier  1, 1552. 

THE  HISTORY. 

I  am  now  answering  that  Gorgon  of  an  Osiander.  Three 
Turkish  Bashaws  have  entered  PannoniOf  Hungary,  ^ith  two 
armies.  They  have  recently  occupied  some  towns  of  distinc- 
tion, and  cut  to  pieces  the  army  of  King  Ferdinand.  IMau- 
rice,  Duke  of  Saxony,  is  now  gone  to  Austria,  to  lead  an  army 
against  the  Turks.  At  this  time,  Albert,  Marquis  of  Bran- 
denberg,  is  laying  waste  the  neighbourhood  of  Nuremberg, 
having  distressed  Frankfort,  and  pillaged  the  towns  in  the 
Bishoprick  of  Mentz  and  Treves.  The  army  of  the  King  of 
France  are  advancing  to  Liege.  The  Emperour  Charles 
has  collected  his  forces  at  Spires,  in  order  to  overthrow  the 
Marquis  and  the  King  of  the  Gauls.  In  Saxony,  the  son  of 
Albert,  Count  of  IMansfijeld,  has  collected  an  army  near  Bre- 
men, and  is  approaching  the  places  in  our  neighbourhood, 
that  he  may  recover  his  dominions,  and  disturb  the  whole 
country.  Thus  throughout  Germany  there  is  nothing  but 
devastation.  The  Churches  are  in  grief  and  mourning ;  the 
pursuits  of  literature  languish ;  the  strength  of  those  who  are 
seditiously  exclaiming  about  liberty  is  encreasing.     I  congra 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  SOf 

tulate  you  for  your  tranquillity,  and  pray  God  that  he  would 
be  gracious  to^va^ds  us,  and  remove  our  calamities. 

niiLiP. 


LETTER  XLIV. 

Calvin  to  Melascthon. 

Nothing  could  be  more  agreeable  to  me  at  this  time  than 
the  reception  of  your  letter  of  the  month  before  last.  To  my 
great  labours,  which  sufficiently  perplex  rae,  there  is  scarce  a 
day  which  does  not  add  some  fresh  cause  for  grief  or  anxiety. 
I  should  soon  faint  under  the  load  of  evils,  with  which  I  am 
oppressed,  if  the  Lord  was  not  pleased  to  alleviate  their 
severity  by  his  remedies ;  among  w  hich  this  is  not  a  small 
one,  in  my  estimation,  that  I  know  you  are  in  usual  healtli, 
as  much  so  as  your  age  and  delicate  constitution  will  admit ; 
and  that  your  letter  has  convinced  sne,  that  your  love  for 
me  is  not  at  all  diminished.  I  have  been  told,  that  you 
were  so  much  offended  at  some  of  my  too  free  admonitions, 
which  however  ought  to  have  produced  a  very  different 
effect,  that  you  tore  my  letter  to  pieces  before  several  \vit- 
nessee.  The  person  who  related  this  was  not  indeed  worthy 
of  much  credit ;  but  as  it  appeared  to  be  confirmed  by  va- 
rious signs  for  a  long  time,  I  was  at  length  constrained  to 
suspect  that  some  part  of  it  might  be  true.  From  your 
letter  I  have  now  learned  most  fully,  that  cur  union  still 
remains  unimpaired ;  which  certainly  ought  to  be  forever 
sacred  and  inviolable,  as  its  origin  was  from  a  similar  affec- 
tion for  piety.  It  is  our  highest  interest,  that  the  friend- 
ship which  God  has  consecrated,  by  the  tokens  of  his  autho- 
rity, should  be  cherished  with  confidence  and  constancy 
even  imtil  death ;  as  in  this  friendship  the  Church  is  deeply 
concerned.     You  see  how  many  eyes  are  turned  upon  us# 


368  LIFE  OF  CALVIxV.  ietxers. 

The  wicked  will  captiously  seize  from  our  diiTerences  a 
handle  for  their  reproaches ;  and  the  weak  among  us  Avill  be 
disturbed  even  by  our  most  trivial  opposition.  It  is  of  conse- 
quence also,  that  posterity  should  have  no  grounds  to  sus- 
pect that  there  Avas  any  incipient  discord  between  us.  It 
would  be  extremely  absurd,  after  having  been  compelled  to 
separate  from  all  the  world,  that  Ave  should,  at  the  very 
threshhold,  break  aM'^y  from  each  other.  I  know  and  freely 
confess,  that  I  am  far  from  being  equal  to  you ;  still  I  am 
not  ignorant  of  the  elevation  t6  which  God  has  raised  me 
among  his  people ;  aud  there  is  no  reason  that  I  should  dis- 
semble with  you  my  opinion,  that  our  friendship  cannot  be 
violated  without  a  great  injury  to  the  Church.  Even  if  we 
had  no  other  reason,  estimate  from  your  own  sensibility,  how 
distressing  it  would  be  to  me,  to  be  cut  off  from  the  man, 
whom  I  affectionately  love  and  revere ;  and  whom  God  has 
rendered  conspicuous  to  his  whole  Church,  by  magnificently 
adorning  him  with  singular  gifts,  and  appointing  him  prime 
Minister  for  the  management  of  the  chief  concerns  of  his 
kingdom.  It  is  certainly  a  wonderful  and  uncommon 
stupidity,  that  we  should  despise  so  easily  that  sacred  union 
between  us,  which  would  become  the  celestial  Angels  to  bear 
to  each  other  on  earth.  In  the  mean  time,  the  adversary  con- 
tinues to  prepare  on  every  hand  the  causes  of  discord.  From 
our  negligence,  he  takes  occasion  to  accumulate  his  materials ; 
and  will  soon  provide  his  instruments  for  enkindling  and 
fanning  the  fires. 

I  will  relate  what  has  taken  place  in  this  Church,  to  the 
great  grief  of  all  the  pious.  A  year  has  already  elapsed 
since  we  have  been  troubled  with  these  contests.  Some  un- 
principled men  raised  a  controversy  with  us  concerning  the 
gratuitous  election  of  God,  and  the  miserable  servitude  of  the 
human  will ;  and  for  exciting  a  publick  tumult,  they  found 
nothing  more  plausible,  in  thek"  opposition  to  us,  than  th^^ 


LETTERS,  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  369 

pretext  of  your  name.  When  they  had  ascertained,  that  we 
were  promptly  prepared  to  refute  whatever  specious  devices 
they  threw  out,  they  invented  this  artifice,  by  which  they  ex- 
pected to  overpower  us,  unless  Ave  would  pubhckly  separate 
from  you.  But  we  observed  such  moderation,  that  they 
AvhoIIy  failed  in  extorting  from  us  what  they  had  so  artfully 
pursued.  My  colleagues  then  with  me  declared,  that  we  ad- 
hered to  the  same  scope  in  doctrines,  as  that  by  which  you 
were  guided.  Not  a  word  was  dropped  in  the  whole  dis- 
pute, but  what  was  justly  respectful,  and  tended  to  establish 
confidence  in  you.  It  was,  however,  the  fact,  that  I  was  se- 
verely pained  with  the  silent  thought,  that  after  our  death, 
corrupt  men  will  be  furnished  with  occasion  of  troubling  the 
Chmch,  as  often  as  they  please,  while  they  bring  inta contro- 
versy the  opposite  opinions  of  those,  Avho  should,  for  the  sake 
of  example,  have  professed  one  and  the  same  thing,  in  the 
same  words. 

That  Osiander  has  withdrawn  himself  from  us,  or  rather, 
by  a  violent  assault,  made  his  escape,  is  neither  a  matter  of 
surprise  nor  much  regret.  You  long  since  experienced,  that 
he  was  one  of  those  wild  animals  which  can  never  be  tamed. 
From  the  day  I  first  saw  him,  I  always  considered  him  as 
disgraceful  to  the  cause ;  and  I  detested  him  as  a  man  of 
profane  disposition  and  corrupt  morals.  Whenever  he  wish- 
ed to  praise  sweet  and  generous  wine,  he  had  these  words  in 
his  mouth — "  I  am  who  I  am" — or — "  This  is  the  Son  of  the 
living  God" — which  betrayed  a  manifest  mockery  of  God. 
Hence  I  have  often  been  more  astonished,  that  even  your  gen- 
eral moderation  should  cherish  such  a  brutal  man  :  especially 
I  was  so  when  I  read  in  a  preface  of  yovus  that  passage 
Avhere  you  praise  him  extravagantly,  even  after  the  specimen 
he  gave  us  of  his  insanity  at  Worms.     But  let  him  go  ;  he 

47 


Sro  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters, 

ought  to  be  most  perfectly  cut  off  from  us.*  There  are  some 
otliers  whom  I  should  prefer  to  have  retahied.  But  I  will 
ornit  aJl  these  things.  /  It  is  no  small  grief  to  me,  that  our 
"method  of  teaching  is  manifestly  observed  to  be  too  discord- 
ant. I  am  not  ignorant,  that  if  we  yield  to  human  authori- 
ty, it  would  be  more  j-easonable  for  me  to  accede  to  you,  than 
for  you  to  conform  to  my  opinion.  But  we  are  not  to  be 
guided  by  human  authority  ;  nor  is  this  even  to  be  wished 
from  the  pious  JMinisters  of  Christ.  We  are  bound,  on  all 
hands,  to  seek  conformity  to  the  pure  truth  of  God.  Now  I 
candidly  confess,  that  rehgion  prevents  me  from  acceding  to 
you  on  this  jwint  of  doctrine  ;  as  you  appear  to  me  to  dispute 
too  metaphysically  concerning  the  freedom  of  the  will :  and 
in  treating  of  election,  you  have  no  object,  but  to  accommo- 
date yourself  to  the  common  apprehension  of  mankind.  For 
it  cannot  be  attributed  to  an  oversight,  that  a  man  of  your 
acuteness,  caution  and  thorough  kno^vledge  of  the  scriptures, 
should  confound  the  election  of  God,  with  those  promises 
which  are  common  to  all — quce  sunt  iiniversce.  Nothing  is 
more  evident,  than  that  the  preaching  of  the  word  is  promis- 
cuously common  to  all  persons ;  but  that  the  Spikit  of  Faith 
is  given  by  special  privilege  to  the  elect  alone.  The  promises 
are  common  to  all  without  exception.  How  then  does  it  come 
to  pass,  that  their  efficacy  does  not  equally  manifest  itself  in 
all  ?  Truly,  because  God  does  not  reveal  his  arm  to  all. 
Nor  does  this  poiat  require  proof  with  those  who  are  tolera- 
bly versed  in  the  scriptures,  since  the  promises  offer  the  grace 


*  Mosheim  states,  that  arrogance  and  singularity  were  the  principal  lines 
in  Osiander's  character.  Melancthon,  in  his  letter  to  Cahnn,  calls  liim 
a  Gordon,  who  had  dangling  vipers  for  hair,  and  petrified  others  by 
his  aspect.  He  treated  Melancthon  with  tlie  grossest  language  of  sa* 
tire  and  illiberality.  Melancthon's  letter  to  Calvin  is  dated  Oct.  1,  1552. 
Osiander  died  Oct.  17,  but  Calvin  had  not  heard  cf  his  death  when  he 
wrote  tlie  above  letter  in  November. 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3ri 

of  Christ  equally  to  all,  and  God  invites,  l)y  an  outward  calJ, 
M'hosoever  will,  to  salvation ;  yet  faith  is  a  special  gift.  It 
appears  to  me  that  this  whole  question,  although  embarrass- 
ed and  intricate,  is  clearly  explained  in  a  work  I  have  lately 
published.*  The  question  is  so  plain,  that  no  one  of  sound 
understanding  will  believe,  that  your  disagreement  is  from 
the  conviction  of  your  own  mind.  At  the  same  tune,  it 
increases  my  anxiety  and  sorrow,  because  I  know  that  on 
this  point  you  almost  entirely  differ  from  yourself.  For  I 
hear,  when  you  received  the  formula  of  our  union  with  the 
Church  of  Zurich,  taking  a  pen  you  erased  the  sentence, 
which  cautiously  and  soberly  distinguishes  the  elect  from  the 
reprobate.  This  was  totally  different  from  your  usual  mode^ 
ration,  not  to  say  more.  I  do  not  therefore  ask  you  to  make 
even  the  attempt  to  read  my  treatise,  as  I  apprehend  it  would 
be  useless.  I  wish  we  might  have  an  interview  to  converse 
on  these  things.  I  know  your  candour,  frankness  and  mode- 
ration ;  and  your  piety  is  manifested  to  the  world  and  to  An- 
gels. I  trust  therefore,  that  this  whole  matter  would  be  easi- 
ly explained  between  us.  If  an  opportunity  should  offer,  I 
should  be  highly  gratified  in  visiting  you.  But  if  what  you 
fear  should  happen,f  it  will  be  a  great  consolation  to  me,  in 
this  wretched  and  mournful  state  of  affairs,  to  see  and  em- 
brace you  before  our  departure  from  this  world. 

We  are  far  from  enjoying  that  tranquillity  which  you  sup- 
pose. In  this  city,  there  are  many  labours,  difficulties  and 
tumults.  Our  enemies  are  in  sight,  from  whom  new  dangers 
threaten  us.  We  are  only  five  hours  journey  from  Burgun- 
dy. One  may  come  in  less  than  an  hour  from  the  French  do- 
minions to  the  gates  of  Geneva.     But  as  nothing  is  more  hap- 

*  Calvin's  Treatise,  concerning  the  eternal  election  of  God  was  pub- 
■lished  in  1551.    See  Tract.  Theol,  Cal.  p.  593. 

•j-  Calvin  here  alludes  to  an  apprehension  wliich  Melancthon  had  of  being 
driven  into  exile. 


Sr^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  jL^ixERa. 

py  than  to  fight  under  the  standard  of  Christ,  these  difficulties 
must  not  deter  you  from  visiting  us.  In  the  mean  time,  you 
will  do  me  a  favour,  by  informing  me  of  your  situation  and 
the  general  condition  of  your  Church,  Farewell,  illustrious 
man,  and  sincerely  respected  brother.  May  the  Lord  pro- 
tect you  with  his  shield,  direct  you  with  his  Spirit,  and  bless 
your  holy  labours.  My  colleagues  and  many  pious  and  dis- 
creet men  respectfully  salute  you. 

Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

Geneva,  November  29,  1552. 

LETTER  XLV. 

Calvin  to  Sir  John  Cheke. 

I  have  hitherto  deferred  writing  to  you,  mest  excellent 
Sir,  lest  I  should  appear  to  seek  something  for  which  I  had 
no  inclination.  Most  of  the  friendships  of  the  world  are 
specious,  and  influenced  by  ambition  and  vanity.  Few  che- 
rish sincerity ;  and  few  deserve  our  confidence,  w^hose  probi- 
ty has  not  been  tried.  I  have  already  often  ventured  to 
write  to  the  King,  to  whom  I  have,  with  other  servants  of 
Christ,  found  access,  by  your  care,  under  Providence.  For 
having  hitherto  omitted  to  write  to  you,  I  have  a  ready  ex- 
cuse. I  apprehended  that  those,  at  whose  request  I  wrote 
to  him,  would  imagine  that  I  had  not  sufficient  confidence 
in  them,  if  I  entrusted  the  delivery  of  my  letters  to  others ; 
besides,  there  was  no  such  familiarity  between  us,  as  would 
warrant  me  in  giving  you  that  trouble.  If  I  have  erred  in 
this,  you  will  be  pleased  to  impute  it  to  my  modesty,  rather 
than  my  negligence,  I  have  long  since  been  induced  to  es- 
teem you  highly,  from  the  fame  of  your  eminent  piety  and 
distinguished  learning.  This  one  circumstance  is  sufficient  to 
conciliate  to  you  the  minds  of  all  good  men,  that  while  Eng- 


lETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN,  3r3 

land  has  a  King  of  the  most  amiable  disposition,  you  have, 
by  your  labour,  formed  him  to  such  a  maturity  of  virtue, 
beyond  his  age,  that  he  has  extended  his  hand  to  the  trou- 
bled and  most  afflicted  Church,  in  these  unhappy  times. 
Surely  the  Lord,  in  dignifying  you  with  this  honour,  has  not 
only  bound  those  to  you  who  reap  the  immediate  fruit  of 
your  labours,  but  all  those  who  desire  the  Church  of  God  to 
be  restored,  or  the  remnants  of  it  to  be  collected.     In  testi- 
fying the  esteem  for  you,  which  I  have  silently  cherished 
with  myself,  I  am  persuaded  that  I  shall  not  render  you  an 
unpleasant  service.     In  the  splendour  of  your  fortune,  you 
have  no  occasion  for  my  personal  assistance  ;  and,  being  con- 
tented with  my  humble  condition,  I  m  ould  not,  for  ray  own 
sake,  lay  any  additional  burden  upon  you ;    but  I  Avould 
have  a  mutual  good  will  cherished   betAveen  us  in  this  tran- 
sitory   life,  until  we  shall  enjoy  substantial  blessedness  in 
Heaven.     In  the  mean  time,  let  us  labour  to  adorn,  and,  as 
much  as  in  us  lies,  to  extend  and  support  the  kingdom  of 
Christ.     We  see  the  mimerous,  open  and  infectious  enemies, 
whose  fury  is  daily  increased  and  inflamed.     And  of  the 
number  of  those,  who  have  given  their  names  to  the  Gos- 
pel, how  few  labour  with  integrity  to  maintain  the  glory  of 
God?     How  much  coldness,  or  rather  how  much  slotlifiil- 
ness,  prevails  among  most  of  the  chief  men  ;  and  finally,  how 
great  is  the  stupidity  of  the  world  ?     Your  willing  exertions 
require  no  foreign  excitements,  and  I  trust  you  wUl  take  iu 
good  part  those  things  I  have  suggested,  as  proper  for  each 
one  assiduously  to  apply  to  himself.     But  this  I  expressly 
ask  of  you,  That  if  at  any  time  you  shall  judge,  that  his  j\Ia- 
jesty  the  King  may  be  excited  by  my  expostulations,  you 
will  be  pleased  to  advise  and  give  counsel  as  the  case  may 
require.    Farewell,  most  excellent  and  highly  respected  man. 
May  the  Lord  guide  you  by  his  power,  &.c. 
Geneva,  February  13, 1553. 


Sr*  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xetters. 

LETTER  XLVI. 

SIelascthon  to  Calvin. 

Reverend  and  dear  brother,  I  have  read  your  book,  in 
which  you  have  clearly  refuted  the  horrid  blasphemies  of 
Servetus ;  and  I  give  thanks  to  the  Son  of  God,  who  was 
the  ^xfitvTin,  the  awarder  of  your   crown  of  victory,  in  this 
your  combat.     To  you  also  the  Church  owes  gratitude  at 
the  present  moment,  and  will  owe  it  to  the  latest  posterity. 
I  perfectly  assent  to  your  opinion.     I  affirm  also,  that  your 
Magistrates  did  right  in  punishing,  after  a  regular  trial,  this 
blasphemous  man.     You  advised  me,  in  your  last  letter,  to 
repress  the  ignorant  clamours  of  those,  who  are  reviving  the 
controversy  tc^i  aoroxar^na^,  about  the  worship  of  the  bread  ; 
but  I  must  inform  you,  that  this  dispute  is  kept  up  by  some 
individuals,  out  of  mere  hatred  to  me,  that  they  may  have 
a  plausible  ground  for  oppressing  me.      I  have    conversed 
much,  with  learned  and  good  men,  on  the  many  disputes 
which  this  one  controversy  embraces,  concerning  the  proper- 
ties of  the  Divine  Persons,  of  the  manifestation  of  God  by 
the  Word  and  the  Spirit,  in  true  conversion  or  consolation. 
About  these  things,  which  are  of  so  great  importance,  I  am 
very  desirous  to  confer  with  you,  whom  I  know  to  be  a  lov- 
er of  truth,  and  to  have  a  mind  free  from  hatred  and  oth- 
er unreasonable  passions.     From  the  light  of  the  Father,  says 
Nazianzen,   we   receive  the  light,  the  Son,  by  the  light,  the 

Holy   Ghost.      Et  (pare?  rev  Tlxr^ei,  <pa^  x,u,TxXaiA.^uvofAa  rev   Ifiov,  ep 

(pari  ru  TLvcvf^trt  Ayiu.  Although  there  are  but  few  sayings  of 
this  writer,  concerning  that  knowledge  of  God  which  shines 
forth  in  true  consolation,  yet  I  am  delighted  with  this 
saying,  which  I  insert  in  this  letter,  because  I  believed  it 
would  be  also  agreeable  to  you.     But  this  is  nothing  to  the 


iETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  375 

purpose  about  the  norship  of  the  bread.  I  do  not  despair 
of  having  a  conversation  with  you  on  this  subject,  before  my 
soul  departs  from  this  mortal  prison.  For  although,  on  ac 
count  of  my  age,  I  am  not  far  distant  from  the  end  of  my 
course,  yet  I  am  daily  expecting  to  be  again  sent  into  ex- 
ile. But  I  pray  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  crucified 
for  us,  and  rose  again  the  keeper  of  his  Cliurch,  to  govern 
and  direct  you  and  all  of  us.  Farewell,  ray  dearest  ])ro> 
ther. 

October  14,  1554 

LETTER  XLVII. 

Calvin  to  Melancthon,  salutem  dicit. 

Your  letter,  my  dear  sir,  gave  me  great  satisfaction,  not 
only  because  every  thing  that  comes  from  you  is  dear  to  me, 
but  because  from  it  I  understand,  that  the  affection  with 
"which  you  embraced  me,  at  our  fii'st  acquaintance,  still  re- 
mains fixed  in  your  heart.  And  especially,  as  you  commend, 
with  a  sufficient  eulogy,  my  endeavours  to  expunge  the  im- 
pious heresy  of  Servetus.  From  this  letter  I  learn  also,  that 
you  were  not  offended  by  the  plainness  and  freedom  of  ray 
admonitions.  I  wish,  however,  that  you  had  treated  more 
fully  on  the  subject  on  which  I  wrote.  I  will  not  impor- 
tunately urge  you  ;  but  as  far  as  you  can  y,'\ih.  peace,  I  ex- 
hort you,  again  and  again,  to  examine,  at  least  with  your- 
self, those  things  about  which  I  wrote  you.  For,  in  this 
way,  I  trust  you  will  endeavour,  that  some  more  definite 
form  of  teaching,  concerning  the  gratuitous  flection  of  be- 
lievers, than  heretofore,  may  be  agreed  upon  between  us. 
About  the  norship  of  the  bread,  I  have  long  since  known  the  se- 
cret opinion  of  your  mind,  which  you  do  not  dissemble  in  your 
letter.    But  your  too  great  tardiness  displeases  me,  by  which 


Srd  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

you  not  only  cherish  but  augment  the  madness  of  those, 
whom  you  see  pursuing  daily,  -with  such  petulance,  the  de- 
struction of  the  whole  Church.  It  may  not  seem  easy  to 
you  to  restrain  those  violent  men,  yet  I  think  it  Avould  be 
a  light  matter,  if  you  would  boldly  attempt  it.  You  know 
that  our  duties  do  not  depend  upon  the  hope  of  success,  but 
in  the  most  desperate  cases  we  must  do  precisely  what  God 
requires  of  us.  Your  excuse  does  not  appear  a  sufficient  one 
to  me,  that  those  malevolent  men  would,  from  your  appear- 
ing openly  in  the  cause,  take  the  probable  means  of  over- 
whelming you.  For  ^vhat  can  the  servants  of  Christ  accom- 
plish, unless  they  disregard  hatred ;  pass  by  with  indiffer- 
ence unfavourable  reports,  casting  off  the  fear  of  dangers, 
and  whatever  obstacles  the  adversary  may  throw  in  their 
path  ;  and  overcome  by  invincible  constancy  ?  It  is  certain, 
should  they  even  become  violently  mad  against  you,  nothing 
awaits  you  more  severe  from  them,  than  that  you  should  be 
compelled  to  leave  that  place.  This,  in  my  opinion,  you 
ought,  for  many  reasons,  to  wish  for.  But  as  extremities  of 
every  kind  are  to  be  feared,  it  is  your  duty  to  resolve  at 
once,  Avhat  you  owe  to  Christ ;  lest  in  suppressing  an  ingenu- 
ous profession  of  the  truth,  you  afford  unprincipled  men,  by 
your  silence,  a  patronage  for  its  destruction.  In  order  to 
restrain  theu-  violence,  I  have  again  summed  up,  in  a  short 
compendium,  the  chief  points  of  doctrine.  All  the  Helve- 
tick  Churches  have  subscribed  it.  The  Church  of  Zurich 
approved  of  it  most  decidedly.  I  now  anxiously  expect  your 
opinion  ;  and  I  m  ish  very  much  to  know  what  the  Divines 
of  Germany  may  think  or  say  of  it.  But  if  those  who 
traduce  us  with  such  hostility  do  not  desist  from  their  dis- 
orderly conduct,  we  will  endeavour  to  make  the  world  hear 
our  complaints.  Farewell,  most  excellent  man,  always  re- 
spected by  me  above  others.  May  the  Lord  govern  you 
with  his  Spirit,  protect  you  with  his  hand,  and  sustain  you 


LETTEKSv  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3rr 

with  strength  ;  and  may  he  hold  us  in  a  holy  union  until  he 
brings  us  together  in  his  heavenly  kingdom. 
March  5,  1555. 

LETTER  XLVIII. 

Melancthon  to  Bullinger,  S.  D» 

Rev.  and  dear  brother,  When  the  copies  of  your  work  on 
justification,  ve§i  htMioa-wrji,  arrived  here,  I  immediately  bought 
and  read  it.  I  am  very  much  pleased  with  the  agreement 
of  your  and  our  Churches  in  opinion.  Afterwards  I  received 
the  letter  and  volume,  you  sent  me.  I  give  you  thanks  for 
your  good  will  towards  me,  and  for  your  present. 

I  have  also  read  your  answer  to  the  blasphemies  of  Serve- 
tus  ;  and  I  approve  of  your  piety  and  opinions.  I  judge  al- 
so, that  the  Genevese  Senate  did  perfectly  right,  to  put  an 
end  to  this  obstinate  man,  who  could  never  cease  blasphem- 
ing. And  I  wonder  at  those  who  disapprove  of  this  severity. 
I  send  you  a  few  pages  on  that  question,  sufficient,  however, 
to  manifest  our  opinion. 

Some  of  my  old  friends  threaten  me,  that  they  will  write 
against  me,  vtti^  a^ToXxr^um,  about  the  morship  of  the  bread.  If 
they  publish  any  thing  against  me  personally,  I  have  deter- 
mined, with  the  assistance  of  God,  to  answer  them,  although 
I  would  much  prefer  to  omit  this  controversy.  It  would  be 
much  more  beneficial  for  the  pious  and  learned  to  confer 
peaceably  on  this  great  subject.  I  pray  the  Son  of  God, 
that  he  would  govern  us  all,  and  heal  the  wounds  of  his 
Church.  May  you  live  well  and  happily,  belov»d  brother. 
I  wish  health  to  you  all. 

August  20. 

48 


37b  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  tETiERS, 

LETTER  XLIX. 

CALvm  TO  Martyr,  saliitem  dicit. 

What  I  promised  to  -rtrite,  concerning  the  secret  commu- 
nication which  Ave  have  with  Christ,  I  shall  not  perform  so 
fully  as  you  expected.  Although  the  subject  is  of  great  im- 
portance, yet  I  think  it  may  he  sufficiently  defined  between 
you  and  myself  in  a  few  words.  Of  that  communication^ 
which  the  Son  of  God  hath  with  our  nature,  by  assumifig  our 
flesh  that  he  might  become  our  brother,  I  shall  say  nothing. 
But  I  shall  treat  of  that  which  emanates  from  his  divine 
power,  and  communicates  life  to  us,  so  that  we  are  made  to 
grow  together  into  one  body  with  liim.  At  the  same  time 
that  we  receive  Christ  by  Faith,  as  he  offers  himself  in  the 
Gospel,  we  are  made  truly  members  of  him,  and  life  flows 
unto  us  from  him  as  ct  capite,  from  the  head.  In  no  other 
way  docs  he  reconcile  us  to  God,  by  the  sacrifice  of  his  death, 
but  as  he  is  ours,  and  we  are  one  with  him.  So  I  interpret 
the  passage  of  Paul,  where  he  says,  the  faitliful  are  called  in- 
to his  xetiuvtciv,  fellowship.  1  Cor.  i.  9.  Nor  does  the  word 
felloAvship,  or  partnership,  appear  to  me  sufliciently  to  express 
his  mind.  He  would  designate  that  sacred  oneness  by  which 
the  Son  of  God  would  engraft  us  into  his  body,  that  he  might 
make  us  partakers  of  his  fulness.  We  so  draw  life  from  his 
flesh  and  blood,  that  we  may,  with  propriety,  call  them  our 
food.  How  that  is  done,  I  confess,  is  very  far  above  the  com- 
prehension of  my  understanding.  I  rather  humbly  admire, 
than  labour  to  comprehend  this  mystery.  But  this  I  confess, 
that  by  the  divine  power  of  the  Spirit,  life  is  poured  from 
heaven  upon  the  earth.  For  the  flesh  of  Christ  does  not  give 
life  of  itself,  nor  would  its  efficacy  reach  us,  but  by  the  incom- 
prehensible operation  of  the  Spirit,     It  is  the  work  of  the 


iEXTESs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  370 

Spirit,  that  Christ  dwells  in  us,  supports  and  nourishes  us,  and 
performs  all  the  functions  of  a  head.  I  preclude  in  this  way 
all  approach  to  the  gross  inventions  about  the  intermixture  of 
substances.  It  is  sufficient  for  me,  that  while  the  body  of 
Christ  remains  in  celestial  glory,  life  flows  from  him  to  us,  as 
the  root  transmits  the  nourislunent  to  the  branches.  Blany 
of  the  ancient  fathers,  especially  Hilary  and  Cyril,  I  perceive, 
were  carried  away  much  too  far.  I  do  not  so  exactly  follow 
their  hyperboles,  but  that  I  will  always  ingenuously  oppose 
njyself  to  their  authority,  when  it  is  made  to  patronize  errour. 
While  they  contend  that  Christ  is  consubstantlal,  eiMovrior, 
with  the  Father,  because  it  is  wTitten,  I  and  the  Father  are  one  ; 
the  Arians  retort,  what  is  presently  added,  that  thexj  also  may 
be  one  in  us.  Thus  are  they  taken  in  their  own  ignorance, 
and  they  have  recourse  to  this  miserable  subterfuge,  that  we 
are  of  the  sqme  essence  with  Christ.  This  being  confessed, 
they  were  of  necessity  involved  in  many  other  absurdities. 
But  that  these  new  fabricators  may  not  produce  against  us 
the  authority  of  the  fathers,  it  will  be  sufficient  for  me  to  say 
that  I  do  not  subscribe  to  them,  that  I  may  not  Avillingly 
draw  them  into  the  controversy. 

I  now  come  to  the  second  communication,  which  I  consider 
as  the  eifect  and  fruit  of  the  former.  For  after  Christ,  ])y 
the  internal  operation  of  the  Spirit,  has  subdued  and  united 
us  to  himself  in  his  body,  he  continues  to  us  a  second  opera- 
tion of  the  Spirit,  by  which  he  enriches  us  with  his  gifts.  If, 
therefore,  we  are  strong  in  hope  and  patience,  if  we  soberly 
and  temperately  abstain  from  the  enticements  of  this  world, 
if  we  earnestly  endeavour  to  conquer  the  lusts  of  the  ilesh,  if 
our  zeal  for  righteousness  and  piety  strengthens,  if  we  are 
delighted  and  elevated  with  the  meditation  of  a  future  life  ; 
this,  I  say,  proceeds  from  that  second  communication,  by 
which  Christ,  who  does  not  idly  dwell  in  us,  proves  the  effica- 
cy  of  his  Spirit  in  manifest  gifts.     Nor  is  it  absurd  that  Christ, 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  litters. 

when  wc  are  united  to  his  body,  should  communicate  to  us 
his  Spirit,  by  whose  secret  operation  he  was  first  made  ours ; 
since  the  scripture  often  attributes  both  these  effects  to  his 
agency.  But  although  the  faithful  come  to  this  communion 
at  the  very  time  of  their  vocation ;  yet  inasmuch  as  the  hfe  of 
Christ  increases  in  them,  he  daily  offers  himself  to  be  enjoyed 
by  them.  This  is  the  communication  which  they  receive  in 
the  Lord's  Supper.  I  should  explain  this  more  fully  to  any 
one,  whom  I  wished  to  instruct ;  but  to  you  I  have  summed 
it  up  briefly,  merely  that  you  might  see  that  we  are  of  the 

same  opinion. Farewell,  most  distinguished 

man,  always  respected  by  me  in  the  Lord.  Salute  Sturmius, 
Zanchus  and  other  friends  affectionately.  May  the  Lord  al- 
ways guard  you,  guide  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  follow  you  with 
his  blessing. 

Geneva,  August  8,  1555. 

LETTER  L. 

Melancthon  to  the  Rev.  John  Calvin,  his  dear  brother, 
distinguished  for  erudition  and  virtue,  salutem  dicit. 

Rev.  man  and  beloved  brother,  I  know  that  your  superior 
prudence  will  enable  you  to  judge,  from  the  writings  of  your 
adversaries,  what  their  disposition  is,  and  for  what  purpose 
they  are  watching  for  publick  observation.  I  shall  therefore 
say  nothing  of  them.  I  only  pray  the  Son  of  God,  that  he 
would  heal  the  wounds  of  his  Church,  as  the  Samaritan  heal- 
ed the  wounded  traveller.  I  noAV  learn,  that  that  proud  and 
boasting  man,  on  the  banks  of  the  Danube^  is  forging  a  large 
volume,  as  a  fortress  against  me,  Avhich  if  he  publishes,  I 
have  determined  to  answer  with  sincerity,  and  without  am- 
biguity.    I  judge  that  I  owe  this  labour  to  God  and  the 


lETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  381 

Church.    Nor  do  I,  at  this  advanced  age,  greatly  fear  either 
exile  or  other  dangers.     I  wish  you  health  and  happiness. 

PHILIP. 
May  12. 

LETTER  LI. 

Calvin  to  Melancthon. 

Most  distinguished  man — You  indeed  observe,  w  ith  cor- 
rectness and  sagacity,  that  the  only  object  of  our  adver  saries 
is  to  exhibit  themselves  to  the  publick.  But,  however,  I  hope, 
and  it  is  credible,  that  their  expectation  w  ill  be  greatly  dis- 
appointed. Should  they  still  bear  off  the  applause  of  the 
whole  world,  we  must  be  more  anxiously  diligent  to  seek  the 
approbation  of  our  heavenly  Judge,  under  whose  eyes  we 
contend.  What  ?  Will  the  holy  assembly  of  Angels,  who 
excite  us  by  their  presence,  and  point  out  the  way  of  stre- 
nuous exertion  by  their  example,  permit  us  to  be  slotliful,  or 
move  with  a  delaying  step  ?  What  the  Avhole  company  of 
holy  fathers  ?  Will  they  not  stimulate  us  to  exertion  ? 
What,  moreover,  the  Church  of  God,  now  in  the  world? 
When  we  know  that  she  is  fighting  for  us  by  her  prayers, 
and  is  animated  by  our  example,  will  her  assistance  avail 
nothing  with  us  ?  I^et  these  be  my  spectators,  I  will  be  con- 
tented with  their  approbation.  Though  the  whole  world 
should  hiss  me,  my  courage  shall  not  fail.  Far  be  it  from 
me  to  envy  these  flashy  and  boisterous  men  the  glory  of  a 
laurel,  in  some  obscure  corner,  for  a  short  time.  I  am  not 
ignorant  of  what  the  world  applaud  as  praise-worthy,  or  con- 
demn as  odious.  But  it  is  the  whole  of  my  concern,  to  fol- 
low the  rule  prescribed  by  my  Master.  Nor  do  I  doubt  but 
that  this  ingenuousness  w  ill,  on  the  w  hole,  be  more  pleasing 
to  the  pious  and  faithful,  than  that  soft  and  complying  me- 


385  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  xettiTrs. 

thod  of  Instruction,  which  argues  an  empty  mind.  The  ob- 
ligation which  you  acknowledge  yourself  under  to  God  and 
his  Church,  I  beseech  you  to  discharge  with  all  diligence. 
I  do  not  insist  upon  this,  for  the  purpose  of  freeing  myself, 
and  loading  you  with  a  great  part  of  their  hatred.  By  no 
means.  I  would  rather,  if  it  could  be,  from  my  love  and 
respect  for  you,  receive  on  my  own  shoulders  whatever  load 
may  already  oppress  you.  It  is  your  duty  to  consider,  al- 
though I  did  not  admonish  you,  that  you  will  with  diffi- 
culty discharge  that  obligation,  unless  you  promptly  deliver 
from  hesitation  those  pious  men,  who  are  looking  up  to  you 
for  instruction.  Moreover,  if  that  proud  and  blustering 
man,  on  the  banks  of  the  Danube,  does  not  arouse  you  to 
exertion,  all  will  justly  accuse  you  of  sloth  and  indiiTerence. 
Farewell,  most  excellent  and  sincerely  respected  man.  May 
Christ,  the  faitliful  Shepherd  of  his  people,  be  always  pre- 
Fcnt,  guide  and  defend  you.  Amen.  Salute  Camerarius, 
and  other  friends  at  Wittemberg,  in  my  name. 
Geneva,  August  22^  1555. 

LETTER  LII. 

Calvin  to  Buulinger,  S.  D. 

It  is  known  that  unfavourable  rumours  are  industriously 
propagated  about  us,  by  the  artifice  of  those,  who  wish  to 
screen  themselves  by  rendering  us  every  where  odious.  On 
this  account,  you  will  render  us  a  favour,  if  you  will  take 
care,  that  an  abridgement  of  what  I  now  write  be  stated  to 
your  most  illustrious  Senate.  And  also,  if  it  will  not  be  too 
much  trouble,  I  wish  that  you  A\'ould  send  this  part  of  my 
letter  to  our  brethren,  the  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Schafl- 
hausen,  that  they  may,  among  their  people,  exculpate  this 


MIXERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ^ 

eity  irom  unfounded  calumnies     The  whole  affair  stands 
thus: — 

In  the  Senate  were  two  men,  wicked  and  audacious  to  the 
highest  pitch  of  impudence.  They  -were  both  of  thera  poor 
and  hungry.  One  is  called  Perriri,  the  other  Vandellius. 
The  former,  being  Captain- General  of  the  city,  had,  by  pro- 
posing impunity  to  all  crimes,  conciliated  to  himself  the  ve- 
ry refuse  of  the  wicked.  When  any  crimes  were  commit- 
ted by  the  obstinate^  the  lewd  and  the  dissolute,  he  immedi- 
ately patronized  tliem,  that  the  penalty  of  the  laws  should 
not  be  enforced.  The  other  was  his  faithful  coadjutor  in  all 
these  things.  They  bound  to  their  purpose  a  part  of  the 
Senate  by  their  flatteries.  They  affrightened  into  submission 
to  them  some  sordid  creatures,  who  could  not  hold  their  of- 
fice but  by  their  favour.  Their  family  connections  espous- 
ed their  cause,  merely  on  account  of  their  relationship.  In 
this  manner,  their  power  in  the  upper  Senate  had  grown  so 
strong,  that  scarce  any  dared  to  resist  their  inclinations.  In 
fact,  for  several  years,  the  legal  decisions  have  been  entire- 
ly in  their  power ;  and  their  scandalous  breaches  of  justice 
have  been  abundantly  manifest.  The  city  not  only  sa^v■  thi?. 
but,  by  their  means,  we  were  evilly  reported  among  o\\r 
neighbours,  and  among  foreigners.  Very  many  openly  op- 
posed them,  as  they  were  often  vexed  and  torn  to  pieces  by 
their  atrocious  improbities.  If  any  one,  however,  who  de- 
spised their  power,  exposed  their  crimes,  they  were  prompt 
to  take  their  revenge.  They  readily  passed  over  whatever 
was  said  by  their  equals.  By  the  continuance  of  these  things, 
many  contracted  habits  of  servitude  to  their  measures.  Ail 
the  edicts  lay  dead  upon  the  records.  No  one  who  was 
favoured  by  these  men  had  any  thing  to  fear  from  the  laws, 
or  from  shame.  The  Judges  and  the  Prefect  of  the  city  were 
annually  chosen  entirely  by  their  will.  Their  outrage  was, 
however,  at  length  carried  to  such  an  excess,  that  the  peopfc 


38^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letxer3. 

themselves,  after  having  elected,  by  their  suffrages,  I  know  not 
what  refuse,  the  very  basest  dregs,  became  alarmed  at  their 
own  disgrace.  This  Avas  confessed  by  all  on  the  last  year, 
that  if  the  election  had  been  given  up  to  the  enemies  of  the 
city,  they  could  not  have  called  into  office,  from  the  mob 
itself,  men  more  disgraceful.  But  now,  as  formerly,  if  the 
upper  Senate  transgress  their  will,  the  Council  of  two  hun- 
dred are  in  the  habit  of  bringing  relief  to  their  crimes  and 
corruptions.  For  these  men  contrived  to  throw  into  this  bo- 
dy many  of  the  lowest  characters ;  some  of  whom  were  tur- 
bulent and  blustering  young  men,  and  others  were  base  and 
dissolute  in  their  manners.  And  lest  their  power  should  fail 
them,  disregarding  the  order  of  the  number,  they  forcibly  in- 
troduced into  the  multitude,  all  those  persons  whom  they 
supposed  to  be  devoted  to  their  interest.  This  licentiousness 
at  length  became  so  extensive,  that  certain  persons  obtruded 
themselves  into  the  Senate,  without  any  election  by  that  body. 
This  was  the  faction  who,  seeing  the  judicatory  of  the  Church 
opposed  to  them,  and  their  unbridled  impunity  in  all  crimes 
exposed,  excited  a  contest  with  us  concerning  excommunica- 
tion, that  they  might  destroy  the  last  remains  of  discipline. 
They  desisted  not  from  turning  every  thing  upside  down, 
till  with  great  difficulty  we  obtained,  that  at  least  advice 
sliould  be  asked  of  the  Helvetick  Churches.  But  as  your  an- 
swer destroyed  the  hopes  and  purposes  of  the  wicked,  our  con- 
dition was,  from  that  circumstance,  a  little  more  quiet.  Still, 
however,  they  were  watching  for  new  opportunities,  and  hav- 
ing dismissed  all  shame,  they  attempted  to  break  down  all 
restraints.  But,  as  it  was  troublesome  to  us  to  be  in  continual 
agitation,  we  ventured  to  importune  them  to  determine  some- 
thing that  might  be  depended  upon  as  an  established  order 
of  things.  In  this  thing  the  Lord  wonderfully  frustrated 
their  purposes.  For  in  the  promiscuous  suifrages  of  the  mul- 
titude, we  had  the  majority.     Soon  after  this,  the  assembly 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3S5 

was  held  for  the  election  of  Syndicks,  at  which  a  most  unex- 
pected change  of  publick  opinion  appeared.     At  this  time, 
the  wicked  became  openly  outrageous,  for  they  saw  them- 
selves once  more  reduced  to  order.     They  now  rashly  under- 
took and  attempted  many  things,  to  destroy  the  government. 
We  were  satisfied  barely  to  restrain  or  defeat  their  exertions, 
without  tumult.     But  as  it  was  no  secret,  that  they  were  anx- 
ious, beyond  measure,  for  a  revolution,  the  Senate  determin- 
ed to  oppose  the  best  defence  against  their  licentious  rage. 
Of  the  French,  who  had  resided  here  for  a  long  time,  whose 
probity  was  well  known,  a  number,  perhaps  about  fifty,  were 
admitted  to  the  right  of  citizenship.     The  faction  perceived 
how  much  stronger  this  addition  would  render  the  hands  of 
the  good.     They  determined,  therefore,  to  leave  no  stone  un- 
turned, to  defeat  this  counsel.     The  business  was  discussed 
among  themselves  in  the  streets,  and  the  wine  shops,  and  also 
in  the  houses  of  some  individuals.     When  they  had  drawn 
over  certain  persons  to  their  purpose,  they  began  to  rise  not 
only  in  complaints,  but  in  open  threats.     By  secret  collusion, 
the  Prefect  of  the  city  was  induced,  with  a  large  but  base 
and  shameless  train,  to  enter  the  Council  room,  and  denounce 
the  Senate  if  they  proceeded.     A  great  part  of  this  mob  was 
made  up  of  sailors,  fishermen,  kitchen  servants,  butchers,  va- 
grants, and  persons  of  such  like  condition ;  as  if  the  city  could 
not  defend  its  rights  without  such  patriots.     The  Senate  an- 
swered, in  a  dignified  manner,  that  they  had  attempted  no 
innovation ;  but  had  proceeded  in  the  order  sanctioned  by 
the  most  ancient  usage  of  the  city ;  that  it  was  an  insuffer- 
able indignity,  to  endeavour  to  destroy  the  ancient  customs, 
to  force  from  the  order  of  citizens  those  who  had  for  a  long 
time  honourably  dwelt  among  them,  and  finally,  to  attempt 
to  wrest  from  the  Senate  the  authority  ^vhich  had,  from  the 
remotest  antiquity,  been  committed  to  their  hands.     But  as 
the  Senate  thought  best  to  proceed  without  violence,  they 

49 


386  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

oiiered  pardon,  for  this  time,  to  the  publick  conspirators. 
They  however  severely  reproved  the  Prefect,  for  using  his 
influence  in  behalf  of  so  abandoned  men,  in  so  unjust  a 
cause.  The  Senate,  at  the  same  time,  decreed  to  convoke 
the  Council  of  t\\  o  hundred.  When  they  were  assembled, 
the  authority  of  the  upper  Senate  Avas  sanctioned  ;  and  it 
was  determined,  that  they  might  henceforward  admit  as  ci- 
tizens such  of  the  Frencii  residents  as  they  should  judge  pro- 
per. But  before  the  lower  Senate  had  decreed  this  last  clause, 
the  violent  fury  of  these  fellov.s  burst  forth  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  prove,  that  they  were  determined  to  cast  themselves 
headlong,  into  all  extremities,  as  in  a  desperate  case.  It  was  now 
the  city  was  almost  brought  to  a  general  slaughter,  in  a  noctur- 
nal tumult.  The  day  before  that  on  which  it  happened,  a  din- 
ner, free  of  expense,  was  given  to  many  of  those  unprincipled 
men.  The  leaders,  however,  feasted  in  a  different  place.  Van- 
del  lius  bore  the  expense  of  the  dinner,  and  Perrin  of  the  supper. 
Their  runners  were  flying  about  in  all  directions.  Many  unfa- 
vourable omens  were  observed.  The  steady  inhabitants  were, 
not  without  cause,  concerned  for  themselves.  It  is  the  custom  in 
this  city,  after  the  watches  are  stationed  at  the  gates,  that  the 
captain  of  the  watch  goes  the  round  to  examine  the  sentries. 
Each  Senator  performs  this  office  in  his  turn.  The  watch  of 
this  night  being  stationed  in  the  centre  of  the  city,  they  heard 
an  outcry  at  a  small  distance.  In  that  quarter,  behind  the 
merchants'  shops,  some  one  being  struck  with  a  stone,  cried 
out  that  he  was  killed.  The  watch  ran  together  instantly  to 
discharge  their  duty.  Two  brothers  encountered  them,  who 
were  of  the  company  of  Perrin  and  Vandellius ;  men  of  the 
lowest  class,  being  butchers,  who  had  supped  on  free  cost  at 
the  same  table.  From  this  circumstance  it  became  evident, 
that  this  outcry  was  made  by  agreement,  otherwise  two  men 
only  would  not  have  dared  to  attack  the  watch  Mho  were 
armed.     They  both  indeed  confessed  this  to  be  the  fact,  to 


BETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  3S7 

the  Judges,  and  to  many  others,  and  to  me  also  in  private. 
But  yet,  when  they  were  taken  to  punishment,  they  denied 
that  this  outcry  was  made  as  the  signal  for  a  mob.  They 
were  however  convicted,  by  so  many  proofs,  that  their  impu- 
dence was  of  no  avail.  They  did  not  at  all  deny,  that  on  tlie 
same  day,  between  the  dinner  and  supper,  they  accompanied 
Perrin,  of  their  own  accord,  to  a  neighbouring  village  ;  that 
while  they  were  on  their  way  there,  mention  was  made  of  five 
hundred  armed  men,  who  were  to  be  called  from  sonw  other 
place,  to  guard  the  city  ;  that  when  the  same  subject  was  in- 
troduced at  the  afternoon's  repast,  Perrin,  when  the  mechan- 
icks  came  in,  repressed  the  conversation,  commanding  silence, 
schwick,  sch7vicJc,  in  German ;  and  that  as  this  village  was 
without  the  jurisdiction  of  Geneva,  he  said  that  an  asylum 
and  support  were  there  prepared  for  any  who  should  commit 
any  capital  crime  in  the  city. 

Upon  the  apprehension  of  those  two  men,  (the  tumult  in- 
creasing) one  of  the  Syndicks,  who  lived  near  the  place,  ap- 
peared with  lighted  torches,  and  the  staff  which  was  the 
badge  of  his  otiice.  The  reverence  of  this  p  eople  was  always 
so  great  for  this  sacred  staff,  that  by  its  appearance  tlie  great- 
est mobs  were  dispersed,  and  when  slaughter  was  threatened, 
the  violence  was  restrained  by  its  influence.  One  of  these 
brothers,  with  a  drawn  sword,  encountered  the  Syndick. 
The  Syndick,  relying  on  the  badge  of  his  authority,  seized 
him,  that  he  might  commit  him'  to  prison.  Many  of  the 
factious  flew  to  his  assistance.  Every  light  was  extinguished. 
They  declared,  that  they  would  not  suffer  their  good  com- 
panion to  be  carried  to  prison.  Perrin  came  at  this  moment. 
He  at  first  dissembled  attempts  to  pacify  them,  and  seized 
the  staff  of  the  Syndick,  whispering  in  his  ear,  it  is  mine  and 
not  yours.  The  Syndick,  though  a  man  of  small  stature, 
would  not  give  it  ^p,  but  struggled  boldly,  and  with  all  his 
strength.    While  these  things  were  going  on,  a  clamour  was 


388  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

raised  in  every  direction,  through  all  the  streets  of  the  city,  as 
it  would  seeni,  in  a  moment ;  the  French  are  in  arms — the  citij 
is  betrayed  by  treachery — the  house  of  the  Senator,  the  Prefect 
of  the  natch  is  filled  with  armed  men. — It  was  thus  these  emis- 
saries tumultuously  assembled  those  w^liom  they  knew  to  be 
on  their  side.  Perrin,  as  soon  as  he  believed  his  band  suffi- 
ciently strong,  began  to  vociferate,  the  Syndical  staff  is  ours—^ 
for  I  hold  it.  This  was  not  answered  by  a  single  testimony 
of  applause,  although  he  was  surrounded  by  the  conspirators. 
Thus  it  is  evident,  that  they  were  restrained  by  some  provi- 
dential influence.  Confounded  with  shame,  and  equally  ter- 
rified, Perrin  by  degrees  recovered  himself.  But  falling  up- 
on another  Syndick,  a  kinsman  of  his  by  marriage,  he  forcibly 
seized  his  staff.  He  complained  that  the  rights  of  the  city 
Avere  violated  in  the  attack  made  upon  him,  and  called  for 
assistance.  As  the  mob  had  the  superiority  in  arms,  no  one 
raised  a  finger,  or  moved  a  step,  at  the  Syndick's  complaint. 
But  a  certain  reverence  again  prevented  the  vilest  from  ap- 
plauding this  act  of  Perrin.  At  length,  forced  by  fear,  he 
privately  returned  the  staff.  At  this  time,  many  of  the  con- 
spirators were  in  arms.  One  voice  resounded  every  where — 
the  French  must  be  killed — they  have  betrayed  the  city.  But 
the  Lord  watched  over  these  unhappy  exiles,  and  so  held 
them  in  sleep  that  they  heard  none  of  these  horrid  outcries ; 
or  so  supported  them  that  they  did  not  fear  the  threatened 
danger.  None  of  them  left  their  houses.  And  thus,  by  the 
interposition  of  God,  the  purpose  of  the  wicked  was  defeated, 
as  no  one  offered  himself  to  the  combat.  For  they  had  deter- 
mined, as  was  afterwards  well  known,  if  any  attacked  them,  to 
defend  themselves ;  that  some  being  slain,  they  would  pro- 
ceed in  battle  array  against  others,  as  if  the  sedition  had  been 
raised  by  us.  They  not  only  threatened  those  who  had  taken 
up  their  residence  here,  but  they  exclaig^ed,  that  their  pat- 
rons also  should  be  slain,  and  that  punishment  should  be  in" 


XETTEEs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  389 

flicted  upon  the  Senate.     In  this  affair,  you  may  see  the  cle- 
mency of  our  Senate,  who,  when  the  authors  of  this  nefariou? 
uproar  were  apprehended  andconvicted,  not  only  spared  their 
lives,  but  abstained  even  from  moderate  chastisements,  so 
that  they  were  not  indeed  corrected  by  whipping.     The  Syn- 
dicks,  having  ordered  the  Senate  to  be  convoked,  ran  quickly 
from  one  part  of  the  city  to  the  other.     The  wicked,  however, 
relying  upon  their  multitude,  not  only  to  elude  and  despise 
their  authority,  but  also  to  abuse  them  with  insults,  left  very 
small  hopes  of  a  remedy.     However,  by  divine  interference, 
beyond  all  our  expectations,  the  violence  of  the  tempest  began 
to  moderate  by  degrees.     The  next  day  it  was  decreed,  that 
enquiry  should  be  made  concerning  the  publick    violence. 
The  Syndicks  took  up  three  days  in  examining  the  witnesses. 
That  no  one  should  say,  he  was  pressed  to  a  false  testimony, 
they  assembled  the  Council  of  two  hundred ;  and  while  the 
testimonies  were   recited,   the  conspirators    themselves  sat 
among  the  judges.     As  it  appeared  that  any  one  was  concern- 
ed in  the  crime,  or  laboured  under  unfavourable  suspicions, 
he  was  ordered  to  leave  the  Senate  room,  as  he  could  not 
with  integrity  give  his  opinion.     But  Perrin,  seeing  his  ^rick- 
edness  would  be  detected,  with  three  others,  made  his  es- 
cape by  flight.     The  lower  Senate,  justly  exasperated  at  the 
indignity  of  this  outrage  upon  good  order,  decreed  tliat  the 
crime  of  this  conspiracy  ought  to  be  severely  punished.  They 
exhorted  the  upper  Senate,  who  have  the  power  of  passing 
sentence,  strenuously  to  exact  exemplary  punishment.     The 
fugitives  were  summoned  by  the  principal  Sheriff,  and  then 
by  a  publick  Crier,  according  to  custom  ;  and  this  ^v'as  done 
by  the  sound  of  trumpet  for  fifteen  days.     By  their  letters, 
they  declared  that  they  would  not  appear,  unless  the  publick 
faith  was  pledged  for  their  security.     But  it  would  have 
been  very  absurd,  to  absolve,  by  a  law  as  privileged  persons, 
those  criminajs  who  ought  to  dtfend  their  cause  in  rhains. 


390  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  i,ettem. 

On  the  appointed  day,  five  were  condemned.     But  before 
the  Judges  pronounced  sentence,  they  recited,  in  a  publicb 
assembly,  the  crimes  of  those  whom  they  were  obliged  to 
hold  convicted,  since  they  refused,  when  summoned,  to  ap- 
pear and  defend  their  innocence  upon  trial.     Then  they  pro- 
duced the   confession  of  those,    who   were   punished,  and 
who  are  still  in  prison.     It  is  very  evident,  that  they  are  too 
dangerous  and  too  wicked,  to  be  permitted  to  escape  by  any 
subterfuge.      Yet  they  are  shameless  enough  to  persist  in 
spreading  opprobrious  reports ;  that  they  are  oppressed  by  un- 
just hatred ;    that  they  defended  the  rights  of  the  city  against 
the  French  ;  and  that  the  Senate  was  devoted  to  the  French. 
As  if  the  Council  of  two  hundred,  by  whose  previous  judg- 
ment they  were  sentenced,  were  not  the  people.     As  if  they 
were  driven  from  the  city  by  force  of  arms.     As  if  the  peo- 
ple, believing  them  to  be  the  patrons  of  their  liberties,  would 
quietly  permit  them  to  be  oppressed  with  such  severe  inju- 
ries.    But  so  true  is  it,  on  the  other  hand,  that  by  their 
flight,  all  the  tumults  were  composed ;  the  cloudy  and  tem- 
pestuous atmosphere,  which  they  had  drawn  over  the  city, 
was  dispersed  ;  the  laws  resumed  their  force,  and  tranquillity 
was  restored  to  the  people.     Those  persons  who  came  to  en- 
treat for  them,  at  their  request,  saw  most  evidently,  that  the 
city  was  no  longer  divided  by  discord,  nor  disturbed  by 
contentions ;  and  that  the  punishment  decreed  against  them 
was  approved  by  the  deliberate  opinion  of  all.     Possessed  of 
the  most  consummate  impudence,  they  not  only  extenuate 
the  crimes  which  they  have  admitted,  but  with  futile  cavils, 
boast  that  those  crimes  were  made  up  out  of  nothing.     It 
is  by  no  means  difficult  to  confute  these  assertions.     They 
declare  it  is  not  probable,  that  when  they  had  a  large  mob 
under  their  power,  they  should  rush  to  arms  without  a 
strong  guard.     As  if  it  was  a  rare  and  unfrequent  example, 
that  the  wicked  are  blinded,  and  thrown  headlong  by  their 


LETTERS.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  391 

madness.  And  certainly,  whatever  they  may  pretend,  it  was 
manifest  madness  that  drove  one  in  a  back  yard,  to  knock 
down  a  man  with  the  stroke  of  a  stone,  from  whence  the  out- 
cry began.  The  same  infatuation  also  induced  the  two  bro- 
thers to  make  an  attack  upon  the  watch,  who  were  armed 
with  drawn  swords.  And,  moreover,  that  they  should  petu- 
lantly contemn  and  mock  the  authority  of  the  Syndicks,  to 
disobey  whom  was  always  a  capital  crime,  is  an  evident 
proof,  not  merely  of  sudden  fury,  but  of  audaciousness  be- 
fore conceived,  and  among  themselves  long  determined  upon. 
Whence  originated  this  unanimous  outcry  among  them  all, 
that  the  city  was  betrayed  by  the  French,  unless  they  had 
conspired  together  for  this  very  purpose  ?  Unless  they  had, 
by  special  agreement,  given  out  this  watch- word,  how  could 
it  be  that  in  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  city,  this  outcry, 
made  up  of  nothing,  should  be  joined  in  at  the  same  mo- 
ment ?  How  came  it  to  pass,  that  the  wife  of  that  same 
Vandellius  ran  to  the  doors  of  all  those  whom  she  supposed 
to  be  of  their  party,  accusing  the  French  of  treason  ?  But 
this  is  what  one  of  Perrin's  followers  confessed,  who  was  more 
intimate  with  him  than  any  one  else,  that  those  two  leaders  of 
sedition,  four  or  five  days  before,  conversed  about  it  between 
themselves.  "  Why,"  said  Perrin,  "  do  we  remain  idle, 
when  we  shall  shortly  be  punished  for  our  cowardice  ?  It 
is  now  three  years  since  the  enemies  have  conspired  together 
to  effect  our  ruin.  They  placed  me  first  on  the  list.  We 
must,  therefore,  be  hand  in  hand  with  them.  A  specious 
pretext  is  now  offered  us.  We  will  say  that  it  is  not  for  the 
interest  of  the  Republick  to  grant  to  so  many  rights  of  citi- 
zenship. We  shall  obtain  nothing  from  the  upper  Senate  or 
the  two  hundred.  We  mil  appeal  to  the  people,  Jdpopulum 
provocabimus.  The  multitude  will  unite  with  us  against  the 
will  of  the  Syndicks.  We  will  suborn  the  men  of  our  party, 
to  raise  a  tumult.    There  will  be  no  difficulty  in  taking  off 


39^  LIFE  OF  CALYIN.  letters. 

our  enemies;  only  let  us  be  daring,  and  the  victory  is  ours." 
This  intimate  of  Perrin,  who  is  almost  the  very  shadow  of 
the  man,  repeated  this  testimony  four  times. 

Let  those  men  deny  that  they  were  justly  condemned,  who 
proposed  to  butcher,  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly  of  the  peo' 
pie,  and  in  the  holy  place,  two  of  the  Syndicks,  some  of  the 
Senators,  and  some  of  the  most  worthy  and  innocent  of  the 
citizens.  I  say  nothing  of  myself,  as  they  take  it  for  grant- 
ed that  I  am  their  enemy.  What  Perrin  said,  about  my 
conspiring  their  ruin,  is  not  worthy  of  an  answer. 

The  Senate  have  not  as  yet  pronounced  sentence  against 
Vandellius.  But  his  guilty  conscience  has  driven  him  from 
the  city.  From  these  facts  it  will  be  manifest,  that  in  this 
great  tumult,  the  same  moderation  has  been  regarded,  as  is 
usual  in  the  most  quiet  state  of  affairs ;  and  that  nothing 
has  been  done  against  those  wicked  men,  either  artfully  or 
without  due  consideration.  If  you  were  here,  you  would 
say,  that  our  Senate  have  proceeded  Avith  too  much  forbear- 
ance and  remissness.  But  it  is  better  to  err  on  this  side 
than  on  the  other,  lest  any  one  absurdly  complain,  that  it 
was  cruel,  and  done  in  the  heat  of  passion.  God  grant,  that 
the  remembrance  of  so  great  a  deliverance  may  awaken  us  to 
unremitting  gratitude,  and  bind  us  with  diligent  assiduity 
to  the  duties  of  our  office.  When  I  began  to  write  this  let- 
ter, I  had  no  expectation  of  its  being  carried  by  our  brother 
Othoman.  For  although  he  had  spoken  of  his  journey,  he 
was  then  uncertain,  whether  he  should  go  directly  to  Zurich, 
and  I  had  determined  to  procure  another  messenger.  It  hap- 
pens well,  and  affords  me  much  pleasure,  as  he  will  be  able 
to  explain  more  fully  any  circumstance  which  I  may  have 
expressed  with  too  much  obscurity,  from  endeavouring  to  be 
concise.  You  have  twice  exhorted  me  to  patience  in  my  sta- 
tion ;  but  I  think  I  have  borne  very  patiently  so  many  indig- 
nities, and  passed  them  in  silence,  that  while  I  restrained  my 


AETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  393 

passions,  I  appeared  to  be  wanting  in  resolution.  I  wish 
by  my  silence,  and  apparent  indifference,  I  could  have  pacifi- 
ed those  who  do  not  cease  to  hate  me,  nor  to  rage  against  zill 
our  good  citizens.  But  although  they  are  the  more  enraged 
on  account  of  my  moderation,  I  am  determined  to  pursue 
one  steady  course.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  N has  ob- 
tained an  office  in  which  he  may  be  useful.  3Iay  the  Lord 
grant  him  grace  to  discharge  its  duties  with  faithfulness. 
Salute,  in  my  name,  your  fellow  IMinisters,  your  wife  and  fa- 
mily. Farewell,  illustrious  man  and  respected  brother. 
May  the  Lord  continue  to  dhect  yau  by  his  Spirit,  and 
bless  your  labours. 

Yours,  JOHN  CALVIN. 

Geneva,  June  15, 1555. 

LETTER  LIII. 

John  Calvin  to  Sir  William  Cecil,  Secretary  to  the 
Queen  of  England. 

For  writing  to  you  familiarly,  most  accomplished  man,  I 
shall  not  make  a  long  apology,  although  I  am  personally  un- 
known to  you.  Relying  on  the  testimony  of  some  pious  per- 
sons, who  have  declared  to  me  your  generosity  of  heart,  I 
trust  that  you  will  be  disposed  to  receive  my  letter  with 
pleasure  ;  especially  when  you  shall  discover  from  the  peru- 
sal my  intention  in  ^Titing.  Since  the  awful  darkness  which 
had  almost  stupified  the  minds  of  pious  men  is  dispersed,  and 
the  clear  light  has  suddenly  shone  forth  beyond  all  hope,  it  is 
reported  that  you,  possessing  distinguished  favour  with  her 
Majesty  the  Queen,  have  endeavoured  diligently  to  remove 
the  profligate  superstitions  of  Popery,  which  had  accumula- 
ted through  four  years  in  England,*   so  that  the  sincere 

*  This  period  embraces  the  persecuting  reign  of  Queen  Mary,  who  suc- 
ceeded Edwwd  VI.  October,  1553,  and  died  Novwober,  1558.    Cecil  v&s 

50 


394  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  pure  and  entu'e  worship  of 
God,  again  flourish.  'I  have  now  therefore  to  exhort  you 
freely  and  openly  to  commence  your  warfare  for  Christ. 
This  one  thing  however  remains,  that  what  you  do  you 
should  proceed  to  do  with  the  greatest  activity  and  most  in- 
vincible constancy.  Your  holy  labours  should  neither  be 
broken  by  any  troubles,  difficulties,  contests  or  terrours,  nor 
even  in  the  least  degree  retarded.  I  doubt  not,  indeed,  but 
that  obstacles  sometimes  encounter  you ;  and  that  dangers 
rise  full  before  your  eyes,  which  would  dishearten  the  most 
resolute,  unless  God  should  sustain  them  by  the  most  won- 
derful power  of  his  Spirit.  This  is  the  cause,  for  the  defence 
of  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  us  to  decline  the  most  arduous 
labours.  During  the  time  that  the  publick  place  of  execu- 
tion was  appropriated  for  burning  the  children  of  God,  you 
yourself  remained  silent  among  others.  At  least  then,  since 
greater  liberty  is  restored  by  the  singular  and  incredible  fa- 
vour of  God,  it  becomes  you  to  take  courage ;  and  if  you 
was,  during  that  period,  too  timid,  you  may  now  compensate 
that  loss  by  the  ardour  of  your  zeal.  I  know  very  well,  that 
a  preposterous  haste  is  injurious ;  and  that  many  retard  their 
progress  by  an  inconsiderate  and  precipitate  zeal,  with  which 
they  would  leap  in  a  moment  to  the  end  of  their  race.  But 
on  the  other  hand,  it  is  faithfully  to  be  considered,  that  to 
maintain  the  whole  truth  and  pure  devotion  of  the  Gospel,  is 
the  work  which  God  assigns  us,  and  m  hich  must  not  be  sloth- 
fully  undertaken.  From  the  present  state  of  things,  you  are 
better  able  to  judge,  what  steps  are  proper  to  be  pursued,  and 
what  degree  of  moderation  is  to  be  exercised.  But  you  will 
remember,  that  all  delay,  with  however  specious  colours  it 
may  be  covered,  ought  to  excite  your  suspicion.     One  fear,  I 

fe-st  promoted  by  the  Duke  of  Somerset,  and  became  a  distinguished  Law- 
yer ;  and  by  his  moderate  and  temporizing  conduct,  during  Mary's  bloody 
reign,  he  escaped  punishment,  and  continued  in  EngUndj,  till,  on  the  acces* 
slon  of  Elizabeth}  be  was  made  Secretary  of  State. 


jLETTERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  395 

conjecture,  is  from  popular  tumults,  since  among  the  nobles 
there  are  many  who  would  kindle  up  the  fire  of  sedition ; 
and  if  the  English  become  tumultuous  among  themselves, 
their  neighbours  are  at  hand,  who  anxiously  watch  for  what- 
ever opportunity  may  offer  for  their  purpose.  But  as  her 
most  serene  Majesty  has  been  wonderfully  raised  to  the 
throne,  by  the  hand  of  God,  she  cannot  otherwise  prove  her 
gratitude,  than  by  shaking  oif  all  delays  by  her  prompt  ala- 
crity, and  surmounting  all  impediments  by  her  magnanimi- 
ty. Since  it  can  hardly  be  otherwise,  but  that,  in  the  pre- 
sent turbulent  and  confused  state  of  things,  her  attention 
should  be  suspended  among  important  aJfairs,  her  mind  per- 
plexed and  sometimes  wavering  ;  1  have  ventured  to  exhort 
her,  that,  having  entered  the  right  coui'se,  she  should  perse- 
vere with  constancy.  \Yhether  I  have  done  this  prudently 
or  not,  let  others  judge.  If,  by  your  endeavours,  my  admo- 
nition  produces  the  desired  effect,  I  shall  not  repent  of  hav- 
ing given  her  that  counsel.  Consider  also,  most  illustrious 
Sir,  that  God  has  placed  you  in  that  degree  of  favour  and 
dignity  which  you  hold,  that  you  might  be  wholly  atten- 
tive to  this  concern,  and  stretch  every  nerve  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  this  work.  And  lest  slothfulness  by  any  means 
creep  upon  you,  let  it  now  and  then  come  into  your  mind, 
of  what  great  moment  are  these  t^vo  things  •  First,  in  \\  hat 
manner  that  religion,  which  was  miserably  fallen  away  ;  that 
doctrine  of  salvation,  which  was  adulterated  by  abominable 
falsehoods ;  that  worship  of  God,  which  was  polluted  with 
defilements,  may  recover  their  lustre,  and  the  Church  be 
cleansed  from  this  abomination  ?  Secondly,  how  the  chil- 
dren of  God  among  you  may  be  free  to  invoke  his  name  in 
sincerity ;  and  how  those  who  are  dispersed  may  be  again 
collected  ?  Farewell,  most  excellent  man,  sincerely  respected 
by  me.  May  the  Lord  guide  you  by  his  Spirit,  protect  and 
enrich  you  with  all  good  gifts. 
Geneva,  January  29,  1559. 


^^ 


396  JLIFE  OF  CALVIN.  iettess, 

LETTER  LIV. 

Calvin  to  Olevianus.* 

As  it  may  perhaps  be  of  some  assistance  to  you,  I  tPxU  give; 
you  a  summary  of  our  mode  of  government  in  this  Church. 

1.  The  Ministers  are  chosen  from  our  College.  A  pas- 
sage of  scripture  is  given  them,  by  the  interpretation  of 
which  they  exhibit  a  specimen  of  their  abilities ;  then  an 
examination  is  held  upon  the  principal  heads  of  doctrine  5 
after  this  they  preach  before  us,  as  though  they  were  in  the 
presence  of  the  people.  Two  Senators  are  also  present.  If 
their  qualifications  are  approved,  we  present  them  to  the 
Senate  Avith  the  testimony.  It  is  in  the  power  of  this 
body  not  to  admit  them,  if  they  judge  them  to  be  unqua- 
lified. If  they  are  received,  (as  they  have  been  always  hi- 
therto,) their  names  are  published  coram  populo,  in  presence 
of  the  people  ;  and  any  one  who  knows  any  thing  against 
them  is  at  liberty  to  object  to  them  within  eight  days. 
Those  who  are  approved  by  the  tacit  suffrages  of  all,  we 
recommend  to  God  and  to  the  Church. 

2.  We  baptize  infants  only  at  publick  meetings ;  because 
it  is  absurd  that  this  solemn  reception  of  them  by  the  Churchy 
should  have  only  a  few  witnesses.  The  parents,  unless  some- 
thing prevents,  are  directed  to  be  present,  that  they  may 
answer  in  the  covenant  together  with  the  JidejussoribuSj  sure- 

*  Gaspar  Olevianus,  of  Treves,  first  studied  jurisprudence;  but  in  at. 
tempting  to  save  from  drowning  some  rash  young  men,  who  had  upset  their 
boat,  he  fell  into  extreme  danger,  and  made  a  vow,  that  if  God  would  deli- 
ver him,  he  would,  if  called  to  it,  preach  the  Gospel.  He  escaped,  and  be- 
gan first  to  read  the  Commentaries  of  Calvin  ;  he  then  went  to  Geneva,  and 
studied  theology  under  the  instruction  of  that  eminent  Divine.  In  1560,  he 
was  Professor  at  Heidleberg,  in  the  University  of  Wisdom,  from  which  place 
he  wrote  to  Calvin  for  the  laws  of  the  Genevese  Consistory.  The  above  letter 
is  the  answer  of  Calvin.  Olevianus  died  Minister  of  Herborn  in  Gernoany, 
1587,  aged  57.    Melchior  A^ams,  in  Vita  Oleviani,  p.  596. 


tETTJERs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  897 

ties.%  No  one,  however,  is  admitted  as  a  surety,  unless  of 
the  same  religious  profession  with  us.  Excommunicated 
persons  are  also  prohibited  this  honour. 

3.  No  one  is  admitted  to  the  holy  Supper  of  Christ,  be- 
fore making  a  publick  profession  of  his  faith.  For  this  pur- 
pose, we  have  annually  four  examinations,  at  which  the 
youth  are  interrogated,  and  the  proficiency  of  each  one  is 
known.  For  although  at  the  Catechism  on  each  Lord's  day, 
they  begin  before  to  give  some  testimony,  yet  it  is  not  law- 
ful for  them  to  come  to  the  holy  table,  until  it  is  known,  by 
the  opinion  of  the  Minister,  that  they  have  made  some  to- 
lerable proficiency  in  the  principal  doctrines  of  religion.  As 
it  respects  those  who  are  older,  we  repeat  annually  the  in- 
spection of  each  family.  We  distribute  among  ourselves  the 
different  parts  of  the  city,  so  that  we  can  examine  in  order  eve- 
ry ward.  The  Minister  is  accompanied  by  one  of  the  Ciiurch 
Elders.  At  this  time  the  new  inhabitants  are  examined. 
Those  who  have  been  once  received,  at  the  Supper,  are  omitted ; 
except  that  we  examine  whether  their  families  are  in  peace  and 
good  order ;  whether  they  have  contentions  with  their  neigh- 
bours ;  whether  they  are  given  to  intemperance  ;  and  whether 
they  are  indifferent  and  slothful  in  attending  publick  worship. 

4.  For  the  discipline  of  morals,  this  method  is  observed : 
Twelve  Church  Elders  are  annually  chosen ;  two  from  the 

*  St.  Augustine,  who  died  A.  D.  430,  says  that  this  custom  was  adopted 
In  the  Church,  on  account  of  infant  slaves  presented  by  their  masters ; 
of  infants  whose  parents  were  dead ;  and  of  those  whom  tlieir  parents 
abandoned.  In  all  ordinary  cases,  parents  answered  for  their  children. 
Wall's  Hist.  Bap.  vol  1.  In  the  reformed  Churches,  as  there  was  no  com- 
mandment from  God  for  sureties  at  baptism,  they  made  no  rule  to  bind  pa- 
rents to  have  them,  except  in  cases  where  one  or  both  parents  were  Papists, 
or  when  children  of  Saracens,  or  of  the  Gypsies,  were  offered.  So  also  it 
was  required,  that  a  mother,  or  a  woman,  in  presenting  a  child,  should  have 
a  surety,  to  secure  the  religious  education  of  the  child.  The  Presbyterian 
and  Congregational  Churches  now  consider  the  Church,  which  receives  a 
child,  to  be  the  surety,  together  witli  the  parent  or  presentmg  person,  for 
the  religious  education  of  the  child.    See  Quick's  Synod,  vol.  1.  p.  45. 


398  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  letters. 

upper  Senate ;  the  other  ten  from  the  Council  of  two  hun- 
dred, either  natives  or  naturalized  citizens.  Those  who 
honestly  and  faithfully  perform  their  duty  are  not  remov- 
ed from  office,  unless  when  occupied  by  other  concerns  of  the 
Republick.  After  the  election,  before  they  take  their  seats, 
their  names  are  published  to  the  people,  that  if  any  one 
should  know  them  to  be  unworthy,  he  may  declare  it  in  season. 

5.  No  one  is  summoned  to  the  ecclesiastical  tribunal,  un- 
less by  the  general  opinion  of  all  the  board  ;  therefore  each 
one  is  asked,  whether  he  has  any  thing  to  oifer  ?  No  one  is 
summoned,  unless  he  has  refused  compliance  with  private 
admonitions,  or  brought  scandal  on  the  Church  by  an  evil 
example.  For  instance,  blasphemers,  drunkards,  fornicators, 
strikers,  quarrellers,  dancers,  who  lead  in  balls,  and  such  like, 
are  called  before  the  Censura  Morion.  Those  who  commit  light- 
er oiTences  are  dismissed  with  the  correction  of  mild  reproof. 
Greater  sins  are  reproved  with  sharper  severity  ;  for  the  Mi- 
nister excludes  them,  at  least  for  a  short  time,  from  the 
Supper,  until,  upon  their  asking  forgiveness,  they  are  recon- 
ciled to  the  Church.  If  any  one  obstinately  despises  the  au- 
thority of  the  Church,  unless  he  desist  from  his  stubbornness 
before  a  year  is  past,  he  is  thrown  into  exile  by  the  Senate 
for  a  year.  If  any  one  proves  more  perverse,  the  Senate 
takes  up  the  cause  and  inflicts  the  punishment.  Those  who, 
for  the  sake  of  redeeming  their  lives  from  the  Papists,  have 
abjured  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  or  attended  mass,  are 
ordered  to  appear  before  the  Church.  The  Minister  from 
the  pulpit  sets  forth  the  matter.  Then  the  excommunicat- 
ed person  falls  on  his  knees,  and  humbly  implores  forgive- 
ness. Such  is  the  procedure  of  the  Consistory,  that  it  in  no 
way  interferes  with  the  course  of  civil  jurisdiction.  And 
that  the  people  may  not  complain  of  any  unreasonable  ri- 
gour, the  Ministers  are  not  only  subject  to  the  same  punish- 
ments, but  if  they  commit  any  thing  worthy  of  excommuni« 
cation,  they  are  also  at  the  same  time  deposed. 

Geneva,  November  5, 1560. 


NOTES 


AND 


BIOGBJIPHICM.  SKETCHES. 


NO.  1— PAGE  1, 

Mathurin  Cordier,  or  Corderius,  was  a  man  of  distin- 
guished erudition  and  probity.  Eminently  skilled  in  the  Latin 
language,  he  taught  it  with  singular  success,  and  with  affec- 
tionate address,  laboured  to  impress  on  the  minds  of  his  pu- 
pils the  principles  of  true  wisdom.  He  spent  a  long  life  in 
teaching  youth  at  Paris,  Nevers,  Bordeaux,  Geneva,  Neuf- 
chatel,  Lausanne,  and  again  at  Geneva,  where  he  died,  Sep- 
tember 8th,  1564,  aged  85.  Such  was  the  vigour  of  Corde- 
rius, that  he  instructed  the  scholars  of  the  sixth  form,  till 
within  three  or  four  days  of  his  death.  Calvin  highly  re- 
spected Corderius,  and  dedicated  to  him  his  Commentary  on 
the  first  Epistle  to  the  Thessalonians,  in  the  year  1550.  Cal- 
vin speaks  of  him  as  a  man  of  excellent  piety  and  learning. 
After  mentioning  the  circumstance  of  his  father's  sending 
him  to  Paris,  and  the  strict  discipline  of  Cordier  in  laying 
the  foundation  of  the  Latm  correctly  and  thoroughly,  he 
says,  This  I  ivould  testify  to  posterity,  that  if  any  benefit 
shall  flow  to  thevi  from  my  writings.,  they  must,  in  a  great 
measure,  acknowledge  it  to  be  derived  from  your  instructions. 
Corderius  studied  divinity  for  some  time  at  Paris,  in  the 
College  of  Navarre,  about  1528.  He  however  returned  to 
his  former  profession  of  Grammarian ;  and  became  exten- 
sively useful  in  promoting  the  study  of  the  Latin,  in  the 
School  of  the  Reformers.  At  this  period,  the  Latin  lan- 
guage was  cultivated  and  advanced  to  a  degree  of  purity 
which  has  been  rarely  equalled  by  any  writer  since.  The 
true  friends  of  the  Gospel  have  been  ever  aiixious  to  have  the 


400  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  notes. 

minds  of  people  enlightened,  and  the  scriptures  diffused. 
The  Reformers  Avere  the  strenuous  supporters  of  literature. 
They  were  master  workmen  in  the  temple  of  theology. 
Their  labours  were  immense,  and  the  effects  produced  as- 
tonishing. And  the  familiar  Colloquies  of  Corderius 
were  then  a  stepping  stone  to  that  ascent  of  knowledge,  by 
which  Calvin  and  others  reached  the  highest  elevation,  to 
the  benefit  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

NO.  2— PAGE  2. 

The  Tonsure  in  the  Romish  Church  may  be  received  after 
the  age  of  seven  years. — It  is  the  first  part  of  the  ceremony 
of  ordination.  The  candidate  presents  himself  in  a  black 
cassock  before  the  Bishop,  with  a  surplice  on  his  right 
arm,  and  a  lighted  taper  in  his  hand.  He  kneels,  and  the 
Bishop,  standing  covered  with  his  mitre,  repeats  a  prayer 
and  sevei'al  verses  from  the  scripture.  The  Bishop  then  sit- 
ting, cuts  five  different  parcels  of  hair  from  the  head  of  the  can- 
didate, who  repeats  these  words — The  Lord  isviy  inheritance. 
Putting  off  his  mitre,  the  Bishop  then  says  a  prayer  over  the 
person  tonsured — an  anthem  is  sung  by  the  choir ;  then  a 
prayer,  in  the  middle  of  Avhich  the  Bishop  puts  the  surplice 
on  the  candidate  for  orders,  and  says,  may  the  Lord  clothe  thee 
nvith  thy  new  name.  The  ceremony  is  closed  by  the  candi- 
date's presenting  the  wax  taper  to  the  Bishop,  who  gives 
him  his  blessing.     Dr.  Hurd's  Rites  and  Cerem.  p.  282. 

NO.  3— PAGE  3. 

Peter  Robert  Olivetan  was  the  first  who  translated 
the  scriptures  from  the  Hebrew  into  the  French  language. 
The  Preface  to  the  Old  Testament,  addressed  to  all  the  Em- 
perours,  Kings,  Princes  and  nations,  subject  to  the  dominion 
of  Christ,  was  written  by  Calvin,  and  bears  date  at  Neufcha- 
tel,  1535.  The  Preface  to  the  New  Testament  was  also  writ- 
ten by  him,  and  bears  the  same  date.  They  were  originally 
written  in  French.  They  are  to  be  found  in  the  Latin, 
among  Calvin's  Epistles,  in  the  9th  Vol.  of  his  works.  Oli- 
vetan's  translation  is  known  among  the  learned  by  the  title 
of  the  Bible  of  Neufchatel.  Olivetan  died  in  1536,  at  Rome, 
and  was  supposed  to  be  poisoned  by  the  Papists,  on  account 
of  this  translation  of  the  scriptures  from  the  Hebrew. 


NOtEs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  401 


NO.  4— PAGE  4. 

Melchior  Wolmar  -was  a  native  of  Switzerland.  Like 
Corderius  in  the  Latin,  Wolmar  was  eminent  as  an  instruc- 
tor in  the  Greek  language.  He  wrote  Commentaries  on  the 
first  two  books  of  the  Iliad  of  Homer.  While  he  continued 
at  Bourges,  he  not  only  instructed  Calvin  in  the  Greek,  but 
was,  for  several  years,  the  instructor  of  Theodore  Beza. 
Calvin  dedicated  to  Wolmar  his  Commentary  on  the  2d  Epis- 
tle to  the  Corinthians,  dated  1546.  In  this  he  expresses  his 
great  obligation  to  him  for  his  assistance  in  the  study  of  the 
Greek,  and  also  in  the  acquisition  of  religious  knowledge. 
Calvin  also  mentions,  that  he  should  have  continued  his 
course  of  studies  at  the  University  of  Bourges,  if  he  had  not 
been  recalled  by  the  death  of  his  father.  After  leaving 
France,  Wolm'ir  was  Professor  of  Law  at  Tubingen  in  Ger- 
many, and  died  at  Eisenach  in  1561,  aged  64. 

XO.  5— PAGE  6. 

Margaret  de  Valois,  Queen  of  J\''avarre. — This  learned 
and  illustrious  woman,  the  decided  friend  and  patroness  of 
the  early  Reformers,  died  at  the  Castle  Odos,  Dec.  2d,  1549, 
aged  57.  She  left  a  daughter  by  the  name  of  Jane,  who 
had  imbibed  her  religious  principles,  and  succeeded  to  her 
title,  and  was  an  unwavering  friend  to  the  reformed  Church. 
Jane,  Queen  of  Navarre,  signed  the  confession  of  faith 
drawn  up  by  Calvin,  and  which  had  been  adopted  by  the  re- 
formed Churches  of  France,  in  1559.  She  was  mother  'oi 
Henry  IV.  of  France,  and  died  June  10,  1572,  about  two 
months  before  the  horrid  massacre  of  St.  Bartholomew's 
day,  which  was  August   24th. 

NO.  6.— PAGE  7. 

James  Faber,  Stapulensis,  of  Estaples,  a  small  borough 
upon  the  sea  coast  of  Picardy.  He  was  of  small  stature  and 
low  extraction,  but  of  great  genius  and  extensive  learning. 
He  was  educated  in  the  University  of  Paris  ;  and  from  inde- 
pendency of  mind  laboured  to  improve  the  course  of  sludiesj 
and  to  revive  the  pursuit  of  solid  learning  purified  from  the 
barbai'JLsm  of  the  schools.  After  studying  philosophy  and 
the  mathematicks,  he  applied  himself  to  divinity,  and  took 
ihis  degree  of  Doctor  ;  but  being  suspected  of  favouring  the 
new  doctrines,  he  was  obliged  to  leave   Pari^-.     He  retired  to 

51 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  kotes, 

Meaux,  where  he  was  patronized  by  the  Bishop,  William 
Eri^onnet,  who  was  a  friend  to  science  and  to  the  Reformers. 
But  persecution  drove  Faber  to  Blois  and  to  Guienne,  till 
Margaret  of  Navarre  took  him  under  her  patronage.  He 
lived  atNerac,  and  died  in  1537,  aged  about  100.  During  his 
residence  with  the  Queen,  she  sent  him  to  Strasburg,  to  con- 
fer witn  Capito  and  Bucer  relative  to  the  I'eformation  of  the 
Church.  The  day  before  his  death  he  is  said  to  have  lament- 
ed, that  he  had  not  taught  the  truth  at  the  fieril  of  his  Ufe^ai 
ethers  had  done  ;  and  that  he  had  had  the  iveaktiess  to  stay  in  that 
place  of  refuge.  She  endeavoured  to  comfort  him  ;  but  he 
said,  I  have  nothing  to  do  now,  after  I  have  made  my  will, 
but  to  die  and  go  to  God.  He  informed  the  Queen  that  he 
hud  made  her  his  heir,  on  condition  that  she  should  give  all 
he  had  to  the  poor.  He  retired  to  his  bed  and  expired  with- 
out a  struggle.  Dupin,  16  Cent.  Book  3,  p.  426,  and  Bayle, 
and  Rees'  Cyclo. 

NO.  7— PAGE  8. 

Gerard  Roussel  of  Picardy,  William  Farel  of  Dau- 
phiny,  James  Faber,  Stapulensis,  and  Arnoldus  Roussel, 
brother  of  Gerard,  first  preached  the  doctrines  of  the  Refor- 
mation in  France,  under  the  patronage  of  lViUia?n  Bri^onnet^ 
Bishop  of  Meaux,  in  1523.  These  Divines^  as  Dupin  calls 
them,  gathered  the  first  reformed  Church  at  Meaux,  and  or- 
dained Peter  le  Clerk,  who  preached  and  administered  the 
sacrament  till  their  numbers  being  increased  to  about  400, 
they  v.'ere  discovered.  Le  Clerk  was,  by  the  Papists,  whip- 
ped, branded  and  banished,  and  after  pi'eaching  at  Metz,  was 
burnt.  The  four  DzviJies  were  banished.  All  which  took 
place  in  the  year  1523. 

NO.  8— PAGE  11. 

Clement  Marot,  through  the  means  of  the  Princess  Re- 
nee,  obtained  leave  of  Francis  I.  to  return  from  Ferrara  into 
France.  He  was  a  favourite  of  the  King's,  and  in  his  day 
was  called  "  the  Poet  of  Princes,  and  the  Prince  of  Poets." 
He  versified  SO  of  the  Psalms  in  the  French  language,  and 
dedicated  them  to  the  King,  who  was  highly  pleased,  and  re- 
quested Marot  to  proceed  in  the  version.  The  Doctors  of  the 
Sorbonne,  however,  censured  the  translation,  and  remonstrat- 
ed with  the  King  against  the  publication,  and  eventually  it  was 
prohibited.  This  was  about  1540.  The  prohibition  excited 
publick  euriosity,  and  they  were  called  for  faster  than   the 


NOTES.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  40S 

printers  could  work  them  off.  They  were  sung  in  the  tunes 
of  the  common  ballads  by  the  people,  Courtiers  and  Princes. 
Marot  was  hated  by  the  Papists,  and  being  apprehensive  of 
imprisonment,  he  retired  to  Geneva,  and  in  1543  completed 
the  versification  of  20  more  of  the  Psalms,  which  were  pub- 
lished with  the  thirty  which  had  been  printed  at  Paris.  Cal- 
vin wrote  the  preface  to  this  edition  in  behalf  of  the  Church 
of  Geneva,  which  is  dated  June  10th  (1543.)  These  were 
introduced  into  the  publick  service  of  the  Church.  Calvin 
took  care  to  procure  the  Psalms  to  be  set  to  musick,  by  the 
most  distinguished  musicians.  Beza  came  to  Geneva  in 
1548.  He  says,  the  first  time  he  attended  publick  worship, 
he  heard  the  91st  Psalm  sung,  and  was  so  ravished  with  it 
that  he  ever  after  carried   it  engraven  on    his   heart.     About 

1552,  Beza,  at  Lausanne,  versified  the  Psalms  omitted  by 
Marot,  (viz.  100,)  and  these  were  set  to  musick  by  William 
Franck,  and  published  together  with  those  of  Marot  at  Geneva, 
and  the  avails  of  them  appropriated  to  the  support  of  poor 
refugees  at  Geneva.  Thus  the  whole  collection  of  Psalms, 
together  with  the  musick,   was   first  printed   at    Geneva   in 

1553.  In  this  edition,  the  Psalms  were  printed  with  Calvin's 
Catechism.  This  excited  the  aversion  of  the  Papists,  who 
had  before  used  those  of  Marot.  But  now  to  sing  them  was 
a  mark  of  heresy  in  their  estimation.  About  the  time  of  the 
conference  of  Poissy,  a  license  was  obtained  from  Charles  IX. 
for  printing  Marot's  and  Beza's  version  of  the  Psalms,  for  the 
use  of  the  reformed  Churches.  Editions  of  them  were  printed 
at  Paris  and  at  Lyons,  1^61. 

The  mode  of  singing  Psalms  in  measured  verse,  as  now 
practised,  was  introduced  first  by  Calvix  at  Geneva,  in  1543. 
From  that  Church  the  practice  went  forth  into  all  the  reform- 
ed Churches  in  France,  and  was  introduced  into  England  by 
the  Presbyterians,  who  resided  at  Geneva,  and  established  an 
English  Church  there  during  the  Marian  persecution.  The 
English  exiles,  while  at  Geneva,  commenced  and  completed 
a  translation  of  the  scriptures  into  the  English  language. 
The  principal  translators  were  Miles  Coverdale.,  Christopher 
Goodman^  John  Knox^  Anthony  Gilby  or  Gibbs,  Thomas  Samp- 
son, William  Cole  and^ IVilliam  Whittingham.  They  divided 
the  chapters  into  verses,  and  added  notes  in  the  margin,  and 
also  tables,  maps,  Sec.  and  published  it  with  a  dedication  to 
Queen  Elizabeth  in  1560.  The  Psalms  versified  and  set  to 
musick,  as  in  the  Church  of  Geneva,  were  annexed  to  this 
Bible,  This  version  has  been  known  as  that  of  Stcrnhold  and 
Hopkins.     The  initials  of  the  name  of  the  versifier  v.cre  pre* 


404  LIFE  OF  CALVIN. 


-Noarrs, 


fixed  to  each  Psalm.  Sternhold  was  the  first,  who,  in  imi- 
tation of  Marot,  turned  about  forty  of  the  Psalms  into  English 
metre.  And  in  1554,  they  were  published  with  a  dedication 
to  Edward  VI.  Strype's  Annals  Vol.  2,  p.  86.  He  died  in 
1549.  .Tohn  Hopkins,  Thomas  Norton,  William  Whitting- 
ham  and  others  versil^ed  the  others  in  English  metre  at 
Geneva,  which,  together  with  Stemhold's,  were  published 
first  in  1559,  and  then  in  1560,  at  the  end  of  the  Geneva  Bi- 
ble. Thus  the  Psahns  versified  in  English  caine  into 
England,  and  were  allowed  first  to  be  sung  before  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  service  ;  and  at  length  they  were  published 
with  this  declaration  :  Psalms  set  forth  and  allovjed  to  be 
^U7ig  in  all  Churches^  before  and  after  morning  and  evening 
Prayer^  as  also  before  and  after  Ser7nons.  And  in  a  short 
time  they  superceded  the  Te  Deum.^  BtnedicitCf  Magnificat 
and  J^Timc  dimlttis,  which  had  been  retained  fromi  the  Romish 
Church.  Bayle,  Art.  Marot.  Neal.  p.  109.  Heylin.  p.  213, 
214.     Rees'  Cy.  Art.  Bible.     Burnet,  p.  290. 

NO.  9— PAGE  12. 

The  Princess  Renee  was  very  distinguished  fpr  her  un- 
shaken and  cordial  attachment  to  the  cause  of  the  Reforma- 
tion. Being  the  daughter  of  Lewis  XII.  her  influence  was 
considerable,  and  she  used  it  nobly  and  faithfully  in  I'elieving 
the  poor,  and  supporting  the  persecuted  in  their  distresses. 
After  the  death  of  the  Duke  of  Eerrara,  her  husband,  in  1559, 
slie  returned  from  Italy  to  France  in  1560,  and  openly  profess- 
ed the  reformed  doctrines  at  Montagris,  where  she  died  in 
1575.  Her  constancy,  courage  and  humanity  have  rarely 
been  equalled,  in  adhering  to  her  religious  principles,  and  in 
wipporting  the  poor  and  pereecuted  under  all  the  apprehen- 
sivcness  of  Popish  superstition  and  barbarous  cruelty. 

NO.  10— PAGE  15. 

(NoTK. — The  following  note  is  referred  to  page    15,  and  is 
tlicre  called  No.  9  ;  it  should  be  No.  10.) 

Francis  Junius,  in  his  animadversions  upon  Bellarmin, 
says  that  he  v/as  at  Genera  when  Calvin  closed  bis  life ;  but 
that  he  never  saw,  heard,  knew,  thought,  or  even  dreamed  of 
the  blasphemies  and  curses  which  the  Papists  said  he  uttered 
at  his  death.  So  it  may  be  presumed,  that  when  Beza  wrote 
the  account  of  Calvin's  entering  on  the  ministerial  office,  he 
did  not  even  dream,  that  any  one,  either  from  ignorance,  or 


NOTES.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  405 

■eftVontery,  would  call  in  question  or  deny  Calvin's  ordination. 
But  what  Beza  did  not  probably  even  dream  of,  two  Doctors 
in  America,  after  about  two  centuries  and  a  half,  have  called 
in  question,  and  it  seems  denied.  Dr.  Learning  may  be  excu- 
sed for  not  construing  the  Latin  of  Beza ;  but  Dr.  Bowden, 
unless  by  chusing  to  lose  himself  in  his  own  prejudices,  he 
has  passed  beyond  the  limits  of  common  testimony,  and  es- 
caped out  of  the  entire  dominion  of  argument,  may  be  re- 
quested to  read  in  the  original  Latin,  Btza's  life  of  Catoiuy 
Anno  1536.  Let  him  examine  also  Calvin's  Preface  to  his 
Commentary  on  the  Psalms,  and  his  answer  to  Sadolet,  a  short 

extract  from  which  shall  be  here  given  in  a  fair  translation 

"  When  I  was  called  at  Geneva,  the  reformed  religion  was 
already  established,  and  the  order  of  the  Church  corrected.  I 
not  only  approved  by  my  voice  of  those  things  which  had 
been  done  by  Farel  and  Viret,  but  as  much  as  I  was  able,  I 
laboured  to  preserve  and  confirm  that  cause  in  which  I  was 
by  necessity  united  with  them.  I  could  have  easily  forgiven 
you  any  personal  injury,  out  of  respect  to  your  office  and  lite- 
rature; but  when  I  see  viy  ministry^  which  I  doubt  not  was 
founded  and  sanctioned  by  the  vocation  oi  God,  wounded 
through  my  side,  it  would  be  perfidy  and  not  patience,  if  I 
should  i"emain  silent  and  dissemble  in  such  a  case.  /  dis- 
rharged  first  the  office  of  Professor  ajid  afterivards  that  of 
Pastor  in  that  Church.  Arid  I  contend  that  I  accepted  of  that 
tharge  having  the  authority  of  a  laiiful  vocation.  With  how 
great  fidelity  and  reverential  fecu'  I  performed  my  duty,  I 
have  no  occasion  now  to  testify  in  detail.  I  will  not  arro- 
gate to  myself  any  peculiar  discernment,  erudition,  prudence, 
address  or  even  diligence.  I  am,  however,  conscious,  before 
Christ  my  judge,and  all  his  Angels,that  I  walked  in  thatChurch 
with  the  sincerity  which  is  becoming  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 
On  this  point,  all  good  men  will  give  me  the  most  luminous 
testimony.  Since  then  this  ministry  has  been  established  by 
the  Lord,  if  I  should  silently  suffer  it  to  be  slandered  and 
abused  by  you,  who  would  not  reprobate  such  silence  as  a 
prevarication  ?  Every  one  sees,  that  I  am  now  pledged  by 
the  high  responsibility  of  my  office^  and  that  I  cannot  escape 
the  obligation  which  binds  me  to  defend  myself  against  yom- 
criminations,  unless  I  deliberately,  and  with  open  perfidy, 
abandon  and  betray  the  work  which  the  Lord  has  committed 
to  my  charge.  But  though  I  am,  at  present,  freed  frcm  the 
pastoral  charge  of  the  Genevese  Church,  still  this  is  no  rea- 
son why  I  should  not  embrace  it  with  paternal  aficction,  since 
God  once  put  me  in  authority  over  it,  and  bound  mc  to  it  in 
1  perpetual  covenant."     Cardinal  Sadolet   did  not  deny  Cal- 


-iQti  LIFE  OP*  CALVIN.  notes. 

vin's  ordination.  Opuscula  Calvini,  p.  105.  Bellarmin,  ano- 
ther Cardinal,  who  was  twenty  two  years  of  age  when 
Calvin  deceased,  says  that  i^one  but  the  Popes  could  create 
Bis/io/is  and  Presbyters^ — and  that  neither  Luther,  nor  Zu- 
iNGLius,  nor  Calvin  were  Bishops,  but  only  Presbyters-— 
sed  tantum  Prebyteri.  It  may  be  fairly  left  with  the  Dr.  to 
determine  the  question,  how  Calvin  could  be  a  Presbyter^ 
without  ordination  ? 

Prancis  Junius^  in  his  animadversions  upon  Bellarmin,  says 
that  Luther  and  Zuinglius  received  ordination  in  the  Romish 
Church — that  Calvin  was  ordained  by  those  who  fireceded  hint 
— qui  antecesserunt,  eumque  ordinaverunt. — Farel  and  Coraud, 
who  received  ordination  in  the  Romish  Church,  preceded  Cal- 
vin at  Geneva ;  and  Beza  states,  that  they  were  colleagues 
with  Calvin  in  the  Church  in  that  city.  The  letter  of  Bucer 
to  Calvin,  dated  Strasburg,  November  1,  1536,  is  unanswera- 
ble testimony,  that  Calvin  was  at  this  time  a  Minister  of  the 
Church  of  Geneva  ;  or  Bucer  would  not  have  spoken  of  his 
ministry,  nor  called  him  my  brother  and  fellow  Minister. 
This  designates  the  time  before  which  Calvin  must  have  re- 
ceived ordination  and  the  charge  of  that  Church. — See  No.  3 
of  the  preceding  Letters  in  this  volume.  For  other  proofs  of 
Calvin's  ordination,  see  the  able  and  elegant  letters  of  Dr. 
Miller,  -vol.  2,  Continuation  of  letters  concerning  the  consti' 
tution  and  order  of  the  Christian  Ministry,  addressed  to  the 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches  in  the  city  of  A'ew- 
York,  1809.       Lett.  7,  p.  306. 

NO.  11— PAGE  35. 

Ubi  quum  Pastoris  constantis  et  seduli  opera  requirerctur. 
—Beza  has  used  the  word  Pastor  in  a  manner  too  loose  for  a 
historian,  and  has  misled  some  learned  writers,  who,  from  this 
expression,  have  concluded  that  Sebastian  Castalio  was  a  Pas- 
tor of  the  Church.  But  this  is  not  the  fact.  Castalio  was  ne- 
ver in  the  ministry.  Calvin  first  patronized  him  by  introdu- 
cing him  as  a  teacher  of  the  languages  in  the  Divinity  school  at 
Strasburg,  about  1540  or  1541.  After  Calvin  returned  to 
Geneva,  he  invited  Castalio  to  take  the  charge  of  the  gram- 
mar school  in  this  city.  He  soon  discovered  his  obscene 
taste  and  heretical  opinions.  Castalio  was  excluded  by  the 
Senate  from  Geneva  in  1544.  The  following  is  a  part  of  the 
certificate  which  Castalio  states  was  given  him  at  that  time, 
written  by  Calvin :  "  We  testify,  in  a  brief  manner,  that  he 
so  conducted  himself  with  us  that  by  our  united  consent  he 
was  already  designed  for  the  pastoral  office Lest  there- 


KOTEs.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  407 

fore,  any  one  should  suspect,  that  it  was  for  some  other  reason 
that  Sebastian  went  away  from  us,  we  would  give  this  testi- 
mony wherever  he  shall  come  : — he  left  of  his  own  accord 
the  mastership  of  the  school.  In  that  employment  he  so 
conducted  himself,  that  we  judged  him  worthy  of  the  holy 
ministry ;  and  to  this  he  would  have  been  received  had  it 
not  been  for  some  spots  on  his  life,  and  some  profane  opin- 
ions  which   he    advanced   against  the   articles   of  our   faith. 

These  were   the  only  reasons  which  prevented." This   is 

full  evidence,  that  Castalio  was  never  in  the  Ministry,  and  of 
course  not  deposed  from  it,  as  Spon  and  others  have  asserted. 
Calvin's  conduct  in  this  instance  appears  candid  and  dignified 
towards  Castalio,  who  did  not  cease,  in  a  covert  and  hypocri- 
tical way,  to  injure  and  involve  him  in  difficulties,  by  aiding 
the  factious  at  Geneva.  Castalio  spent  his  time  subsequently 
at  Basil  where  he  instructed  in  the  languages.  He  died 
poor  and  unpatronizexi,  December  29,  1563,  aged  48.  Bayle 
Art.  Cast. 

NO.  12— PAGE  37. 

Albert  Pighius  wrote  ten  books  against  Calvin's  Insti- 
tutes. Six  books  were  upon  the  freedom  of  the  ivill.  These 
Calvin  answered  in  the  course  of  two  months,  amidst  all  his 
other  avocations.  Calvin,  in  his  reply  to  the  first  book  of 
Pighius,  says,  "  I  wonder  how  Pighius  had  the  assurance  to 
transcribe  so  familiarly  several  things  from  my  book  into  his 
own  without  naming  me.  I  do  not  see  by  what  authority  he 
could  do  it  unless  by  the  right  of  prescription ;  for  he  has 
been  accustomed  to  do  this  for  a  long  time.  In  that  great 
book,  which  he  published  against  our  articles  of  faith,  he  has 
stuffed  in  whole  pages  from  my  Institutes,  as  may  be  seen, 
and  adapted  it  to  his  purpose,  as  though  it  was  his  own. 
Now  I  would  know  by  what  right  or  title,  he  thus  uses  what 
is  mine  for  his  own  ?  Does  he  think,  that  he  has  a  right  to 
plunder  me  of  whatever  he  pleases,  because  I  am  his  enemy? 
But  this  kind  of  depredation  can  neither  be  justified  by  law  nor 
custom.  Only  one  pretext  remains,  being  a  learned  man,  it 
is  possible,  that  what  came  first  into  my  mind,  might  also 
come  into  his.  But  I  would  ask  the  readers,  if  they  have 
leisure,  to  compare  the  first  chapter  of  Pighius'  book  with 
the  first  chapter  of  my  Institutes — and  what  he  wrote  on  jus- 
tification in  his  other  work  ivit/i.  the  sixth  chap.ter  of  my  In- 
stitutes."*    "  He  does  not    steal  secretly  here  and  there,  nor 

•  Calvin's  Institutes  were  at  tiiis  time  divided  only  into  chapters. 


40^  LIFE  OF  CALVIN. 


NOTES. 


does  he  study  to  conceal  his  plunder  by  artifice,  in  order  to 
make  it  look  like  his  own.~ He  openly  recites  whole  pages 
word  for  word.  But  I  have  something  to  say  in  his  defence. 
He  acted  more  from  the  expectation  of  security  than  silliness. 
He  sought  to  please  those  ivho  scrufiulously  avoid  reading 
our  nvritingSf  nvhile  they  eagerly  praise  and  admire  e-uery 
thing  of  every  kind  ivhich  opposes  ws.— — ^Opuscula  Calvini, 
p.  1 2 1 , 

NO.  13— PAGE  49. 

Bucer,  in  a  letter  to  Calvin,  dated  Strasburg,  October  28, 
1542,  says  ;  "  Our  literary  school  is  well  supplied  ;  a  man 
has  arrived  here  from  Italy,  learned  in  Greek,  Hebrew  and 
Latin,  happily  versed  in  the  scriptures,  44  years  of  age,  with 
good  talents  and  a  penetrating  genius ;  his  name  is  Peter 
Martyr.  He  was  President  of  the  Canons  of  Lucca  in 
Lombardy. 

Martyr  continued  at  Strasburg,  until,  at  the  invitation  of 
Cranmer  in  the  King's  name,  he  went  over  to  England,  in 
November  1547.  In  15  49,  he  was  appointed  divinity  Pro- 
fessor at  Oxford,  by  Edward  VI.  He  mai'ried  at  Strasburg 
a  nun  who,  like  himself,  had  escaped  from  the  superstitions 
of  a  convent.  She  died  during  his  residence  at  Oxford.  On 
the  accession  of  Queen  Mary  in  1553,  after  Martyr  returned 
to  Strasburg,  during  the  Marian  persecution,  the  bones  of 
his  wife  were  dug  up  by  the  virulent  Papists,  and  buried  in 
a  dung  hill.  Martyr  was,  for  the  seven  last  years  of  his  life, 
Professor  at  Zurich.     He  v/as  at  tlie  Convention  at  Poissy,  in 

1561,  with  Theodore  Beza,   and  died  soon  after  his  return  in 

1562,  aged  63.  He  was  learned,  zealous,  sincere  and  huin- 
ble.  He  wrote  Commentaries  on  the  scriptures,  and  against 
the  Papists,  and  on  the  Lord's  Supper^  in  reply  to  Gardner. 
Bishop  of  Winchester.     Burnet,  Vol.  2,  p.  50. 

NO.  14— PAGE  161. 

Martin  Bucer  was  born  1491,  at  Schelestadt  in  the  Pro- 
vince of  Alsace.  He  entered  the  order  of  Dominicans 
at  the  age  of  7  years.  In  1521,  he  had  a  conference  with 
Luther.  Having  previously  periised  the  writings  of  Eras- 
mus and  of  Luther,  he  was  pi-epared  to  unite  with  the  Ger- 
man Reformers.  He  settled  at  Strasburg,  and  ofliciated 
there  both  as  Minister  and  theological  Professor  for  20  years  ; 
and  with  Capito  was  the  chief  instrument  of  the  early  refor- 
mation in  thot  city.     When  the  troubles  about  tJic  Interim 


{ 


NOTES.  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  409 

^rose,  he  gladly  accepted  the  invitation  of  Cranmer,  and  went 
to  England  1549.  He  was  highly  respected  by  the  King  and 
Cranmer,  as  the  great  honours  paid  his  remains  at  his  funeral 
testify.  In  the  Marian  persecution,  his  tomb  was  demolish- 
ed and  his  body  burnt ;  but  the  tomb  was  afterwards  rebuilt 
by  order  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  He  was  learned  in  the  Latin, 
Greek  and  Hebrew. 

He  revised  the  Liturgy  of  the  English  Church  in  1550, 
at  the  request  of  Cranmer.  The  first  step  towards  a  refor- 
mation of  the  service  of  the  Church  in  England  was  under 
Henry  VHL  in  1536.  Alexander  Aless,  a  Scotchman,  who 
resided  sometime  in  Germany,  had  imbibed  the  Lutheran  sen- 
timents. He  was  at  this  time  with  Cranmer  at  Lambeth. 
Lord  Cromwell  intix)duced  him  to  the  Convocation,  and  de- 
sired him  to  give  his  opinion  about  the  Sacraments.  He 
maintained  that  Christ  instituted  only  two,  Baptism  and  the 
Lord's  Supper.  In  this  Convocation,  they  agreed  to  five 
articles  of  faith,  and  five  concerning  the  ceremonies  of  the 
Church.  These  were  printed  and  published  with  the  sanc- 
tion of  Henry. 

On  the  accession  of  Edward  VI.  in  1547,  the  Liturgy  of 
the  Church  was  new  modelled  from  the  several  Popish  missals 
or  mass-books,  as  of  Sarum,  Bangor,  York,  Hereford  and 
Lincoln.  Thus  reformed,  it  was  published  and  sanctioned 
by  Edward,  in  November,  1548.  In  1550,  the  common  pray- 
er-book was  brought  to  another  revision.  Bucer  was  now 
Professor  at  Cambridge  ;  and  at  Cranmer's  request,  Alex- 
ander Aless  at  this  time  translated  the  Liturgy  of  1548  into 
Latin  for  the  use  of  Bucer.  In  the  works  of  Bucer,  the 
translation  of  Aless  is  published  with  the  censures  of 
Bucer,  which  are  numerous,  and  which  Burnet  says  were 
afterwards  mostly  adopted.  Bucer  finished  his  corrections 
January  5,  1551,  and  died  February  28. 

The  Capitation  to  these  is  as  follows  :  The  Corrections  of 
Martin  Bucer  ufion  the  Liturgy^  or  the  order  of  the  Church 
and  the  Ministry  in  the  Kingdom  of  England  ;  written  at 
the  request  of  Thomas  Cranmer^  Archbishop,  of  Canterbury. 
Opera  Buceri,  pv  456. 

Dr.  Heylin,  in  labouring  with  much  petulance  to  fix  an 
odium  upon  Calvin,  has  highly  complimented  him,  by  rela- 
ting some  things  which  others  of  that  Church  are  anxious  to 
deny.  He  says,  "  That  Calvin  having  taken  order  with 
Martin  Bucer,  on  his  first  coming  into  England,  to  give  him 
some  account  of  the  English  Liturgy  ;  he  had  no  sooner  sa- 
.tisfled  himself  in  the   sight  thereof,  but  he  m»kes  presently 


410  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  jsotes, 

his  exceptions  and  demurs  upon  it"*— — «and  "presently 
writes  back  to  Bucer,  whom  he  requires  to  be  instant  with 
the  Lord  Protector,  that  all  such  rites  as  savoured  of  super- 
stition might  be  taken  aAvay." — "  He  had  his  agents  in  the 
court,  the  city,  the  universities,  the  country,  and  the  con-voca' 
tion" — "  Let  it  suffice.,  that  ty  the  eagerness  of  their  solicita- 
tio?is,  more  than  for  any  thing  ivhich  could  be  faulted  in  the 
book  itself  it  was  brought  under  a  review  (^1550J  and  there- 
by altered  to  a  further  distance  than  it  had  before  from  the 
rituals  of  the  Church  of  Rome."  Heylin  Hist.  Presb.  p, 
II  &  12. 

Peter  Martyr  and  John  Alasco  were  of  the  number  com- 
missioned to  revise  and  embody  a  system  of  ecclesiastical 
laws  for  the  English  Church  in  1552.  Burnet,  Vol.  2,  Anno. 
'552.  In  1551,  the  articles  of  faitli  in  the  English  Church 
were  prepared.  Bucer  was  for  beginning  with  the  doctrines 
before  the  ceremonies,  but  Cranmer  judged  it  expedient  to 
delay  these  till  the  Liturgy  should  be  settled.  In  what  me- 
thod they  proceeded  in  compiling  the  articles  Burnet  says, 
is  not  certain.  He  supposes  that  Cranmer  and  Ridley  first 
framed  them,  and  that  they  were  then  sent  to  others  to  pro- 
pose amendments.  The  doctrines  of  faith  were  comprised 
in  42  articles,  and  published  with  the  Liturgy  in  1552,  and 
established  by  the  King.  They  were  again  revised  and  re- 
duced with  some  alterations  to  the  present  number  39,  in  the 
reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth  in  1562.  Burnet,  Vol.  2,  p.  158, 
and  Collection,  p.  190. 

Note  from  the  5th  line  at  the  foot  of  page  215. 

Some  of  the  professed  friends,  as  well  as  the  avowed  ene- 
mies of  Calvin,  have  been  anxious  to  establish  the  point,  that 
Calvin  limited  the  atonement  of  Christ  to  the  sins  of  the 
elect  alone.  Calvin's  opinion  however  was,  that  the  atone- 
ment  of  Christ  was  for  Sin.,  as  he  deliberately  says  in  his  Will, 
That  the  blood  of  the  exalted  Redeemer  was  shedfor  the  sins  of 
the  human  race. — He  is  no  less  explicit  in  his  Commentaries — 
Rom.  v.  18 — "  Nam  etsi  passus  est  Christus  pro  peccatis  toti- 
us  mundi,  atque  omnibus  indifferenter  Dei  benignitate  offer- 
tur,  non  tamen  omnes  apprehendunt."     For  although  Christ 

•  Calvin  was  not  alone  in  his  exceptions  ag-ainst  the  Liturgj',  for  Cranmer 
"  Fatebatur  multa  detracta  oportere  superflua,  et  ardendbus  votis  cupiebat 
ea  in  melius  correcta." — Cra?imer  confessed  that  there  were  many  svperftiovs 
things  in  the  Booh,  that  ought  to  be  taken  out,  and  earnestly  wished  that  it  might 
have  some  further  amendment.  Pierce's  Yindic.  p.  12, 13.  quoted  by  Neal, 
Vol.  1.  Quarto  Ed,  Appendix,  p.  895; 


S0TE5- 


LIFE  OF  CALVIN. 


411 


SUFFERED     FOR    THE    SINS    OF    THE     WHOLE    WORLD,    and     by 

the  benevolence  of  God  it  is  indifferently  offered  to  ally  yet  aJL 
do  not  receive  him.     Opera  Calvini,  vol.  7. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  TABLE  OF  THE  POPES  AND  SOVEREIGNS  OF 
FRANCE,  ENGLAND  AND  GERMANY,  DURING  THE  LIFE  OF 
CALMN. 

POPES. 


Julius  II. 

died  March, 

1513, 

Leo  X.         01 

•eated  March,  1513,              December, 

1521, 

Adrian  VI. 

January,  1522,                  October, 

•1523, 

Clement  VII 

.     December,  1523,                 October, 

1534, 

Paul  III. 

October,  1534,             November, 

1549, 

Julius  III. 

February,  1550,                       April, 

1555 

Marcellus  II. 

April,  1555,                        May, 

1555, 

Paul  IV. 

June,  1555,             September, 

1559 

Pius  IV. 

January,  1559,             December, 
KIJVGS  OF  FRAJ^TE. 

1565, 

Lewis  XII. 

died  1515. 

Francis  I. 

crowned  1515, 

1547, 

Henry  II. 

1547, 

1559 

Francis  II. 

1559, 

1560, 

Charles  IX. 

1560, 

1574, 

KIJ^TGS  djYJ)  QUEEjYS  OF  EJ^GLAJ^'D. 

Henry  VII.  ( 

:rowned             1509,         died  January, 

1547 

Edward  VI. 

February,  1547,                         July, 

1553 

Mary, 

October,  1553,             November, 

1558, 

Elizabeth, 

January,  1559,                    March, 
EMPEROURS  OF  GER.MJJK'F. 

1603, 

Maximilian, 

died 

1515. 

Chai'les  V.  ol 

f  Spain,  crowned  1519,             resigned  1556, 

Ferdinand  I. 

succeeded  him,  and  died 

1564. 

412  LIFE  OF  CALVIN.  ipotes. 


TBmCIPAL  REFORMERS,  COTEMPORARIES  WITffCALVIM 

Ulrick  Zuinglius,  died  1531. 

John  CEcolampadius,  1531. 

Martin  Luther,  1546. 

Philip  Melancthoni  1560. 

AVolfgang  Capito,  1541. 

Martin  Bucer,  1551- 

Henry  Bullinger,  '  1575. 

Thomas  Cranmer,  1556- ^.i^ 

William  Farel,  1565. 

Peter  Viret,  1571. 

John  Aiasco,  1560. 

Jerome  Zanchius,  1590. 

Peter  Martyr,  1562. 

Theodore  Beza*  1605. 

John  KnoX;  M^?? 


INDEX. 


Afflictions  sanctified,  page  274. 

jinabafitistsy  their  attempt  and  defeat,  17.     Cotjipared  with  Li- 
bertines, 40,  41. 
Augsburgj  Diet  of,  57. 

B 

Bernard,  his  letter  to  Calvin  on  the  subject  of  his  return  td 
Geneva  and  Calvin's  answer,  268,  269. 

Bertilier,  clerk  in  the  lower  Council  in  Geneva,  his  excom- 
munication and  the  trials  of  Calvin  occasioned  by  the  influ- 
ence of  Peri"in  in  this  matter,  142. 

Bolseck,  Jerome,  the  head  of  a  faction  at  Geneva,  70 — 72. 
Turned  Papist  and  with  a  malicious  view  wrote  the  Life  of 
Calvin,  128,  183. 

Bucer,  one  of  the  Reformers,  his  opinion  respecting  the  In- 
terim and  his  arrival  in  England,  57 — 59.  His  death,  Feb. 
28,  1551,  68. 


Caro/i,  his  character  and  conduct,  17 — 19.  Letter  of  reproof 
from  Calvin  to  him,  245. 

Castalio,  his  unfaithfulness  in  duty,  35.  His  version  of  the 
scriptures,  and  Calvin's  opinion  of  it,  38,  39.  Disseminates 
Pelagianism,  72,  73.  His  certificate  received  from  Calvin, 
406.     JVo.  11. 

Catechism,  importance  of  for  the  instruction  of  youth,  336. 

Cauvin,  the  original  sirname  of  Calvin,  how  changed,  5. 

Cecil,  Secretary  to  Elizabeth  Queen  of  England?  393. 

Censors  of  books,  their  office,  242.     JVote. 

Charles  V.  Emperour  of  Germany  reluctantly  aided  the  cause 
of  the  Reformation,  his  temporising  conduct,  39,  40.  His 
intrigue,  50 — £2 

Character  and  description  of  Calvin  in  general,  226 — 232. 

Chateau  Cambresis,  the  peace  of,  concluded  between  Ferdi- 
nand King  of  Spain  and  Henry  IL  King  of  France,  the  ob- 
ject and  effects  pf  the  same,  195. 


INDEX. 

Chrism,  itb  import,  340.     Note. 

Chronological  table,  of  Popes  &c.  411. 

Clemency,  Calvin's  Commentary  on  Seneca's  Epistle?  Dc 
dementia  composed  at  Paris,  his  object,  4,  5, 

Communion^  mode  of  receiving  members,  private  administra- 
tion, 299. 

ConQ?e,Prince  of,  a  v/arm.  advocate  of  the  Reformation,  198, 21 1. 

Conference  at  Worms,  an  account  of  it,  265. 

Confession  of  faith  for  the  Protestants  proposed  by  Cranmer, 
S59 — 364. 

Conformity  to  the  Papists  condemned  by  Calvin,  49. 

Conspiracy  against  Geneva,  383. 

Convention  of  Princes  at  Frankfort  under  Charles  V.  for 
the  peace  of  the  Empire,  253,  258,  263. 

Cop,  Nicholas,  by  the  suggestion  of  Calvin  delivered  a  dis- 
course on  the  superstitions  of  those  times,  6. 

Coraud,  his  character,  248. 

Corderius,  Mathurin,  an  account  of  him,  399,  JVb.  1. 

Cox,  and  his  associates,  Calvin's  letter  to  them  on  the  subject 
of  reforming  the  English  Liturgy,  166. 

D 

Death  of  Calvin,  an  account  of,  225. 

Decree  of  the  Senate  in  answer  to  unreasonable  propositions 

of  Charles  V.  264. 
Dedication  of  Calvin's  Commentary  on  the  Epistle  of  John, 

157. 
Diligence  of  Calvin,  4,  34,  211. 
Discijilifie,  principal  heads  of  it,  in  the  Church  of  Geneva,  153. 

The  necessity  of  it  and  the  principle  on  which  it  should  be 

conducted,  289,  306, 
Doctrines,  fundamental,  333. 
Du  Bourge,  Annes,  a  distinguished  Counsellour  and  member 

of  the  Senate  of  Paris,  he  was  executed    for   advocating  a 

spirit  of  mildness  toward  the  Prptestants,  195 — 197. 

E 

Ednvard  VI.  successor  of  Henry  VIII.  King  of  England,  his 
character,  161.  Calvin's  influence  with  him  to  promote  the 
cause  of  the  Reformation  in  his  kingdom,  58. 

Eucharist,  the  difference  between  the  Lutherans  and  Calvin- 
ists  on  this,  lamented,  319 — 324. 

Excommunication,  the  right  of  it  belongs  to  the  Church,  not 
to  the  civil  power,  33,  34. 

Expulsion  of  Calvin,  Coraud  and  Farel  from  Geneva,  23. 


INDEX. 


Faber^  James,  an  account  of  him,  401,  Ab.  6. 

Farel^  William,  his  zeal  in  the  cause  of  the  Reformation  and 
his  influence  with  Calvin,  13,  15,  237.  His  danger  for  re- 
proving the  factious  at  Geneva,  145.  His  assistance  desir- 
ed by  Calvin,  292.     His  last  visit  to  Calvin,  223. 

Fate  and  predestination  contrasted,  74. 

Fellowship  with  the  Church  of  Rome  renounced  by  Calvin,  9. 

Festival  days,  holiness  of  them  renounced  by  the  Church  of 
Geneva,  68. 

Fontainbleau^  place  of  an  Assembly  of  the  nobles  of  France 
for  the  purpose  of  devising  measures  to  impede  the  Reform- 
ation, 199,  200. 

Francis  I.  his  character,  8,  10,  14. 

Frankfort,  Calvin's  letter  to  the  English  refugees  at  this 
place,  163. 

G 

Gallasiust  Nicholas,  was  sent  from  Geneva  to  take  charge  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  England,  205. 

Geneva^  the  place  of  Calvin's  I'esidence  and  labours,  15.  Cal- 
vin's expulsion  from  this  place,  23.  The  return  of  Calvin 
to  it,  28,  32,  267,  274,  288.  Difficulties  encountered  by 
Calvin  in  it,  382 — 392. 

Gerard  Chauvin,  the  father  of  Calvin,  his  calculations  re- 
specting his  son,  2. 

Government  of  the  Church  at  Geneva,  396. 

Grotius,  Hugo  de,  his  ungenerous  aspersion  of  Calvin  togeth- 
er with  the  reason  of  it,  132,  133. 

Gry7teus,  Calvin's  letter  to  him  repelling  the  charge  of  Aii- 
anism,  18. 

n. 

Henry  II.  King  of  France,  his  remarkable  death,  195,  196, 
VIII.  his  religious  character,  260, 

Heretic ks,  opinions  respecting  their  punishment,  100,  101, 
112,  133. 

Institutes-  of  Calvin  published  at  Basil,  11.  Revised  and 
published,  26.  The  high  value  put  upon  them  by  all  men 
of  piety  and  learning,  and  the  time  when  they  began  to  be 
neglected,  133 — 142.  Different  editions  of  the  work,  192. 
Reasons  for  the  publication  of  it,  236. 

Interim,  explained,  57. 

Intrefiidity  of  Calvin  on  a  perilous  occasion,  54.  . 

Junius,  Francis,  his  testimony  respecting  Calvin's  ordination> 
405,  .Vo.  10. 


INDEX, 


.Lctv,  the  study  of  thia  profession  prosecuted  by  Calvin,  2. 
And  is  relinquished  for  the  cause  of  religion,  6. 

Legend  of  Papists  respecting  Calvin's  tomb,  136. 

Lissct,  Peter,  an  Inquisitor  who  zealously  and  with  great  art 
persecuted  the  reformers,  36. 

liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England  formed  under  the  influ- 
ence of  Calvin,  58,  59,  162,  181. 

M 

Marot^  Clement,  an  account  of  him,  402,  JVo.  8. 

Martyr,  Peter,  his  letter  to  Calvin  on  the  subject  of  his  sick- 
ness &c.  193.  An  account  of  his  arrival  at  Strasburg,  408, 
JSTo.  13. 

Melancthon,  Philip,  his  first  acquaintance  with  Calvin,  27, 
Too  accommodating,  60,  345.  Calvin's  opinion  of  him, 
172,  175,  176,  254,  260.  His  commendable  conduct  in  the 
Diet  at  Ratisbon,  283.  Requested  by  Calvin  to  appear 
openly,  375. 

Ministers  of  the  jurisdiction  of  Geneva,  Calvin's  address  to 
them,  222.     And  people  their  leading  object,  250. 

Moderation  and  forbearance  of  Calvin,  24,  25,  46,  48,  55,  250, 

Modesty  and  diffidence  predominant  in  Calvin,  3. 

Moshcim,  John  Lawrence,  ecclesiastical  historian ;  his  un- 
candid  treatment  of  Calvin's  character,  together  with  the 
reasons  of  it,  105. 

O 

Olevianusj  Gasper,  Calvin's  letter  to  him,  396. 

Olivetan  early  acquaintance  of  Calvin  with  him,  3,  400,  A''o.  3. 

Ordinutio?iy  Calvin's,  405,  Ao.  10. 

Osiandcr,  Audrcv/,    revives  the   dispute  about  the  Eucharist, 

46. 


Perrin,  Ammi,  a  demagogue  of  Geneva,  52,  57,  382.  Used 
his  influence  as  Syndick  to  distract  the  Church,  142. 

Persecution,  the  first  step  of  it  against  Calvin,  6. 

Piety  of  Calvin  discovered  in  early  life,  2. 

Pig/iiusy  Albert,  his  attack  upon  Calvin  and  his  disgrace,  37., 
38,  407,  .Yo.  12. 

Plague  in  Geneva,  35.  Designedly  spread  by  those  who 
nursed  the  sick,  the  corruptions,  Sec.  which  succeeded  it, 
43,  44. 

Poissy,  conference  between  the  Romish  Prelates  and  the  Re- 
formed Ministers  held  at  this  place,  209. 


INDEX. 

Poralis,  a  Syndick  of  Geneva,  his  death,  296. 

Predestination,  and  free  will,  M.elancthon's  letter  on  the  sub' 

ject,  305.     Calvin's  letter  on  the  subject,  370. 
Psalms,   their  versification,  the  practice  of   singing   them    in 

measured  verse  first  introduced,  402,  JVb.  8. 

R. 

Ratisbon,  Diet  of,  the  state  of  things  when  it  Avas  asocmbled 
by  the  Emperour  and  the  character  of  its  members,  275 — 280. 
Its  members  agree  on  original  sin  and  free  will,  282.  Their 
contention  about  the  Eucharist,  283.  Melancthon  and 
Bucer  frame  an  ambiguous  confession,  285.  The  Marquii) 
of  Brandenburg  sent  an  Ambassador  to  Luther  with  t'ne 
hope  of  obtaining  opinions  more  favourable  than  those  held 
by  the  Protestant  members  present,  287-  They  submit  the 
•whole  to  the  imperial  chamber,  ib.  The  Protestant  Prin- 
ces assembled  petition  Francis  I.  King  of  France  in  behalf 
of  the  Protestants,  293. 

Reformation,  letter  of  Calvin  on  this  subject  to  the  Protector 
of  England,  326.     Letters  on  the  subject,  350,  354,  358. 

Renee,  Princess,  an  account  of  her,  404,  A^j.  9. 

Roscoe,  William,  author  of  the  history  of  the  Pontificate  of 
Leo  X.  detected  in  his  false  statements  respecting  the 
Conduct  of  Calvin  in  the  case  of  Servetus,  104 — 126. 

Roussel,  Gerard  and  others,  first  preached  the  doctrines  of 
the  Reformation  in  France.  402,  JVo.  7. 


Gacramentarians,  who  they  were,  253. 

Sadolet,  James,  bishop  of  Carpentras  attempts,  to  recover  the 
Church  at  Geneva  to  the  Papal  communion  and  interest, 
Calvin  answers  him,  25,  26. 

Schism  to  be  avoided,  249,  256. 

Servetus,  Michel,  requested  a  public  disputation  with  Calvin 
on  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  8.  Ignorant  of  the  Greek 
language  while  he  confidently  quoted  the  writings  of  Greek 
authors,  97.  His  principles  stated,  92 — 104.  Is  complained 
of  for  his  heresy,  78.  Is  condemned  by  the  Syndicks  and 
Senate  of  Geneva,  90.  Not  condemned  by  Calvin's  influ- 
ence, 124,  jYote.  A  commutation  of  his  punishment  de- 
sired by  Calvin,  89,  \\2,  jXote,  133.  His  punishment  ap- 
proved by  BuUinger,  100,  Melancthon,  101,374,  377,  Peter 
Martyr,  101,  Farel,  80,  Bishop  Hall,  129. 

Sin,  God  not  the  author  of  it,  Calvin's  opinion,  41,  42. 

Socznu*,  Loelius,  his  artful  address  to  Calvin,  61.  Faustus, 
adopted  and  published  his  uncle's   tenets,   62.     Persecuted 

,5*5 


INDEX 

;tdopud  iuid  published  his  uncle's  tenets,  62^  Persecuted 
to  death  P'nincis  David,  126. 

ooti,  death  of  Calvin's,  26. 

Storder,  John,  a  reclaimed  Anabaptist,  ib. 

Synclicks,  chief  Magistrates  of  Geneva  of  whom  there  were 
four,  their  character,  and  their  conduct  with  regard  to  the 
ecclesiastical  order  and  discipline,  24 — 27.  Calvin's  last 
address  to  them  and  the  Senate,  218.  Their  judgment  on 
Servetus,  90. 


To7isure^  in  tlse  Church  of  Rome  explained,  400,  JVo.  2. 
Trent^  Council  convened  there  January  7,  1546,  55. 
Troilett^  an  impostor  who  troubled  the  Church  at  Geneva,  50. 
His  penitence  and  death,  74,  75. 

V. 

Valois,  Margaret  de.  Queen  of  Navarre,  protectress  of  Cal- 
vin, 6,  7.  Is  undeceived  by  Calvin  respecting  the  charac- 
ter of  the  Libertines,  43,  313,  401,  JVo.  5. 

Vandenius,  a  leading  conspirator  against  Geneva,  583. 

Union  with  Christ  by  faith  and  its  effects,  378. 

Volscy  Paul,  a  reclaimed  Anabaptist,  26. 

W. 

Jf'aiac/iians^  their  revolt  from  the  Turks,  278. 

U'aldensesf  their  suffei'ings,  44,  45.     Retires  to  Bohemia  and 

petition  to  be  received  into  the  Church  of  Geneva,  203, 
WarbiirtQ7i^  Bishop,  in  his  notes  on  Pope's  essay  on  criticism 

inconsistent  in  his  censure  of  Luther,  Calvin,  8cc.  as  ci'uel, 

while  he  praises  Erasmus,  106. 
IViJ'e,  Calvin's  judgment  respecting  the  properties  of  a  good 
wife,  26.     Death  of  Calvin's,  62 — 67. 
TVill  of  Calvin,  2 1 4—2 1 7. 
Wolmar,  Melchior,  an  account  of  him,  401,  A^'o.  4- 

Y. 

Yotct/i,  their  education  important  in  Calvin's  view,  34. 

Z. 

Zebedeus^  Andrew,  his  confession  on  his  death  bed,  183. 

Zurich,  the  church  in  that  place  with  its  Professors  and  Pas- 
tors induce  Calvin  to  return  to  Geneva,  28 — 30.  Their  let- 
ter to  the  Syndicks  and  Senate  of  Geneva  respecting  Ser- 
vetus and  his  heresies,  84.  The  Senate  in  that  place 
strengthens  the  Church  in  Geneva  in  her  discipline,  155,  156. 


SUBSCmBERS'  NAMES 


Connecticut. 

Ashford. 
Rev.  Philo  Judson 
Joseph  Palmer,  M.  D. 

Barkhamsted. 
Peletiah  AHen,  Esq. 
Gideon  Mills 
Oliver  Mills 
William  Taylor 

Berlin. 
Abijah  Flagg 
John  Goodrich,  jr. 
Rev.  Newton  Skinner 
Rev.  John  Smalley,  D.  D. 
Gad  Stanley,  Esq. 

Bridgeport. 
Simeon  Backus,  jr. 
Caleb  Beach 
William  Deforest 
David  Gibbs,  jr.  Esq. 
Abijah  Hawley 
Ezekiel  Hubbell 
Henry  May 
Hannah  Penfield 
Hon.  R.  G.  Van  Polanen 
Daniel  Sterling 

Bristol. 
Rev.  Jonathan  Cone 
Bryan  Hooker,  Esq. 
Enos  Ives,  Esq. 
Titus  Merriman 
Tracy  Peck 
Samuel  Steele 


Asa  Upson 

Brookly?}. 
Ebenezer  Scarborough 

Burlingt07i. 
Elijah  Flower 
Bliss  Hart,  Esq. 
Simeon  Hart,  Esq. 

Canaa7i. 
Rev.  Charles  Prentice 

Cayiterbury. 
Andrew  T.  Judson,  Esq. 
Rev.  Erastus  Learned 
Joseph  Simms 

Canton. 
Elijah  Barber 
Jonathan  Barber 
Jasper  Bidwell 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock 
James  Humphrey,  Esq 
Theophilus  Humphrey 
Seymour  A.  Mosea 

Chatham. 
Elisha  Niles 

Colchester. 
John  R.  Watrous,  Esq. 

Colebrook. 
Rev.  Chauncey  Lee 
Elijah  Rockwell,  jr. 
Martin  Rockwell 

Corniuall. 
Rev.  Timothy  Stone 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


Ctjvcntry. 
Gideon  HoHister 
John  HoAvard 
Nathaniel  Kingsbury 
Nathaniel  Root 
Rev.  Ephraim  T.  Woodruff 

Derby. 
Gideon  Gates 

JEast-Hartford. 
Ira  Bemont 
Chauncey  Bryant 
Shubae!  Griswold,  Esq. 
Martin  Keeney 
John  Mather 
Thomas  Mather 
Rev.  Andrew  Yates 

East -Windsor . 
Rev.  Shubacl  Bartlett 
Jesse  Charlton 
Eli  B.  Haskell 
Amasa  Loomis 
Abner  Reed 
Rev.  Thomas  Robbins 
Edward  Wolcott 

Ellington. 
Joseph  Abbott,  jr. 
Rev.  Diodate  Brockway 
Levi  Wells,  Esq. 
Asa  Willey,  Esq. 

Enfield. 
David  Hale 
Caleb  Jones 
Henry  King 
Robert  Morrison 
Ebcnezer  Parsons 
Joseph  Parsons 
Luther  Pierce 
Rev.  Nehemiah  Pruddeji 
Rev.  John  Taylor 
Ebenezer  Terry,  2d 
Daniel  Terry,  2d 

Fairfield, 
John  Stronc: 


Eartningto?:,, 
Edward  Cowles 
Horace  Cowles 
Gen.  Solomon  Cowles 
John  Mix,  Esq. 
Rev.  Noah  Porter,  jr. 
Mark  Thompson 
Hon.  John  Treadwell 
Simeon  Wells 

Franklin, 
Rev.  Samuel  Nott 

Glastenbury, 
Nathan  W.  Hale 
Oliver  Hale 
Rev.  Prince  Hawes 
David  Hubbard 
Anson  Hubbard 
Rev.  William  LockwoocJ 
Daniel  Miles 
Ebenezer  Plummer 

Goshen. 
Rev.  Joseph  Harvey 
Allen  Lucas 

Granby. 
Asa  Hains 
William  Lewis 
Rev.  Isaac  Porter 
Appleton  Robbins 

Guilford. 
Henry  Robinson 

Hartford. 
George  Bacon 
George  Beach 
John  Beach 
Edward  S.  Bellamy 
John  Bennett 
Titus  L.  Bissell 
Hori  Brown 
Isaac  D.  Bull 
Marcus  Bull 
Russel  Bunce 
Sheldon  W.  Candee,  Esq- 
George  Catlin 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


Aaron  Chapin 

Thomas  L.  Chester 

Mason  F.  Cogswell,  M.  D, 

Barna  Collins 

Horace  Colton 

George  Corning 

Samuel  Curtis 

Samuel  Danforth 

Burrage  B.  Dimock 

Enos  Doolittle 

Hon.  Theodore  Dwight 

Eli  Ely 

Ebenezer  Faxon 

Rev.  Abel  Flint 

Erastus  Flint 

Luther  P'reeman 

Moses  Goodman 

Moses  Goodman,  jr. 

Timothy  S.  Goodman 

Samuel  G.  Goodrich 

Caleb  Goodwin 

Jeremiah  Graves 

Timothy  Gridley 

James  Hadlock 

William  Hitchcock 

Nathaniel  Hooker 

Daniel  Hopkins 

Samuel  Hurlbut,  2d 

Nathan  Johnson,  Esq, 

^l^enry  Kilbourn 

James  Killam 

Charles  B.  King 

Andrew  Kingsbury,  Esq. 

Simeon  L.  Loomis 

Elisha  Mix,  Esq. 

Ezekiel  W.  Morse 

George  J.  Patten 

Anson  G.  Phelps 

John  Pierce 

Charles  L.  Porter 

Eleazar  Porter 

Reuben  Porter 

Harry  Pratt 

Jared  Scarborough 

Ichabod  Lord  Skinner,  Esq. 

Nonnand  Smith 


John  Talcott  Smith 
George  Smith 
Charles  Starr 
Timothy  C.  Steele 
Samuel  Talcott 
Samuel  Tinker 
David  Wadsworth 
Truman  Webster 
James  Weeks 
Martha  B.  Wells 
John  L  Wells 
James  S.  Wickham 
George  White 
Nathaniel  H.  Whiting 
John  Whitman 
Henry  Whitman 

Hebron. 
Sylvester  Gilbert,  Esq, 
Nathan  Gillet 
George  Gillet,  Esq. 

Harivintov.. 
Roswell  Abernethy 
Rev.  Joshua  Williams 

Litchfield. 
James  Brace 
John  Churchill,  jr. 
Timothy  Peck 
Hon.  Tapping  Reeve 

Marlborough. 
Daniel  Smith. 

Middletown. 
Henry  G.  Bowers 
John  Fisk,  Esq. 
Mary  Griswold 
William  C.  Hall 
Thomas  Hubbard 
Nehemiah  Hubbard,  Esq. 
Rev.  Dan  Huntington 
John  Pratt,  Esq. 
William  R.  Swathel 
Rev.  Joshua  L.  Williams 

Montville. 
Rev.  Abishai  Alden 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


J\'eiu-Haven. 
Isaac  Adi'iance 
Isaac  Bird,  jr. 
Charles  BostAvick 
William  Brintman 
Charles  Chauncey,  L.  L.  D. 
Rev.  Timothy  D wight,  D.  D, 
Ambrose  Eggleston 
Abiel  B.  Glover 
Sidney  Hull 
John  Langdon 
Rev.  Samuel  Merwin 
William  Powell 
Reuben  Rice 
Julius  Sheldon 
Charles  Sherman 
Rev.  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor 
Asa  Thurston 
Luman  Whittlesey 
Rufus  Woodward 

J^e  11} -Hartford. 
John  Brown 
Martin  Driggs 
Plato  King 
Roger  Mills,  Esq. 
Elijah  Strong,  Jr. 

J^Feiv-London, 
Nathaniel  Hewit 
Samuel  H.  P.  Lee 
Rev.  Abel  M'Ewen 

JVeivtoTcn. 
Timothy  Shepard,  Esq. 

JsTorfolk. 
Joseph  Battell,  Esq. 
Rev.  Ami  R.  Robbins 

JK^'orivich. 
Rev.  David  Austin 
William  Cleveland 
Hon.  Calvin  Goddard 

Oxford. 
Abel  Wheeler,  Esq. 


Plainfield. 
Rev.  Joel  Benedict,  D.  D. 
Samuel  Backus 

Plymouth. 
Eli  Terry. 

Preston. 
Elisha  T.  Abel 
Rev.  John  Hyde 
James  L.  Lester 
Moses  Lester,  Esq. 
Nathan  Morgan 
Manasseh  Prentice 
John  White 

Reading. 
Rev.  Jonathan  Bartlett 

Salisbury. 
Rev.  Joseph  W.  Grossman 
John  M.  Holley,  Esq. 
Jonathan  Lee. 

Sharon. 
Edmund  Bennett 
David  Goold 
Phinehas  Hunt 
Rev.  Daniel  Parker 
Samuel  Pardee 
Rev.  Jason  Perkins 
His  Excellency  John  C.  Smith 
Paul  Smith,  jr. 
Daniel  St.  John,  Esq. 
Ezekiel  St.  John 
Philo  Swift 
Abel  Woodward, 

Shermayi. 
Gamaliel  B.  Giddings,  Esq. 

Simsh-ziry. 
Calvin  Barber,  Esq. 
John  Bestor,  Esq. 
Thomas  Case 
George  Cornish 
Benjamin  Ely,  Esq. 
Timothy  Goodwin,  Esq 
James  Goodwin 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


William  Mather,  Esq. 
Rev.  Allen  M'Lean 
Ezekiel  W.  Mills 
Michael  Moses 
Sereno  Pettibone,  Esq. 
Jonathan  Pettibone,  jr. 
Elisha  Phelps,  Esq. 

Southington. 
Rhoda  Lewis 
Roswell  Moore,  Esq. 

Stafford. 
Ralph  R.  Phelps,  Esq. 
Dr.  Samuel  Willard 

Sterling. 
Rev.  Elijah  G.  Welles 

Stratford. 
William  S.  Johnson,  L.  L.  D, 

Suffield. 
Asa  Butler 

Rev.  Aaron  Cleveland 
Dr.  David  Carrier,  2  copies 
Rev.  Oliver  Hill 
Thaddeus  Leavitt 

Thompson. 
David  H.  Phipps,  Esq. 

Tolland. 
George  O.  Gilbert,  Esq. 
Rev.  Ansel  Nash 

Torrivgton. 
Erastus  Hodges 
Jonas  Leach 
Rev.  Samuel  J.  ]Mills 

Verno7i. 
Phinehas  Talcott,  Esq. 

Waterbury. 
Rev.  Luke  Wood 

IVatertoivn. 
Younglove  Cutler 
Rev.  Urif  I  Gridler 


Wethersjield, 
Rev.  Jaob  Brace 
Rev.  Calvin  Chapin 
David  Lowrey 
Royal  Robbins 
Timothy  Stillman 
John  Williams,  Esq. 

Willington. 
Rev.  Hubbel  Loomis 

Winchester, 
Rev.  James  Beach 
Nathaniel  B.  Gaylord 
Horace  Higley,  Esq. 
Elizur  Hinsdale 
Hosea  Hinsdale 
Raney  Humphrey 
Solomon  Rockwell,  Esq, 
Benjamin  Skinner 

Windham. 
Samuel  Gray,  Esq. 
Timothy  Warren. 

Wiitdsor. 
Thomas  Barber 
Jonathan  Bidwell 
Samuel  Burr,  jr. 
Rev.  Sylvester  Burt 
Theodore  Cadwcll 
Martin  Ellsworth 
Luther  Fitch,  Esq. 
Amos  Gillett,  jr. 
David  Grant 
Levi  Hayden,  jr. 
Asa  Hubbard 
Joshua  Latham 
Jame$  Loomis 
Oliver  Mather 
Rev.  William  F.  Miller 
Elihu  Mills,  Esq. 
Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland 

Woodbridge. 
Elisha  Sanford,  Esq. 

Woodstock. 
Rev.  William  Graves. 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


Massachusetts/ 

Amherst. 
Rev.  David  Parsons,  D.  D. 

Athol. 
Rev.  Joseph  Estabrook 

Belcher. 
Experience  Porter 

Beverly. 
Rev.  Abiel  Abbott 

Blanford. 
Rev.  John  Keep 

Boston. 
Cummins  &  Hilliard,  350  cop 
William  Wells,  jr. 

Charlestoivn. 
Rev.  Jedediah  Morse,  D.  t). 

Dorchester. 
Rev.  John  Codman 

Hat  field. 
Rev.  Joseph  Lyman,  D.  D. 

Methuen. 
Thaddeus  Osgood. 

Sandwich. 
Anson  Bowen 

Wcstfield. 
Sylvanus  G.  Morley 

Worcester. 
Rev.  Samuel  Austin,  D.  D. 

Bath.,  New-Hampshire. 

John  Punchard 


Hofikintown. 
Rev.  Ethan  Smith 

New-York. 

Albany. 
Eleazar  F.  Backus,  31  copies 

Cat  skill. 
Rev.  David  Porter,  D.  D- 

Cairo. 
Rev.  Richard  Williams 

Hudson. 
Rev.  John  Chester,  2  copies 

J^ew*  York. 
.  Stephen  Dodge 
Rev.  Ezra  Stiles  Ely 
John  Kewley,  D.  D. 
Samuel  Penney 
Rev.  John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D. 
Daniel  Waterman 
Robert  Waterman 
Whiting  &  Watson  100  copies 

Oneida  Cy. 
William  C.  White 

Schenectady. 
Calvin  Dodge 

T'roy. 
Samuel  S.  Lockwood 

WhitesborougJi. 
Rev.  Oliver  Wetmore 

Burlington^  New-Jersev. 

David  Allison. 


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